SANFORD – A slow first half didn’t stop the Raiders from opening their season in the win column.
Richmond trailed 24-20 at halftime before flipping a switch coming out of the room. Junior forward Jayden Hamilton (#35) lit up the third quarter with a dominant burst, scoring four straight buckets to spark a 17-4 run that swung the momentum firmly in the Raiders’ favor. Amer Morrison (#2) also added a key basket as Richmond surged 37-28.
Southern Lee’s defense did their best to keep the Cavaliers close, converting the line and scoring inside to trim the deficit late in the period. But Richmond held strong, protecting; it’s lead heading into the fourth.
The final eight minutes saw both teams’ trading points, but the Raiders controlled the tempo and made enough plays to close out the five-point victory, 66-61.
The win marks a promising start as Richmond looks to build chemistry and confidence early in the season.