LEHIGH, Pa. -- Genevieve Okoro poured in a career-high 27 points as Richmond downed JMU, 74-66 in the first game of the Lehigh Christmas Classic at Stabler Arena.
Richmond improved to 11-2 while Madison fell to 7-3 on the season.
Okoro finished her monster performance with her sixth career double-double, fourth this season with 27 points and 10 boards. Okoro went 8-for-13 from the field, 11-of-15 from the line in 29 minutes of play.
The 27 points was a Spider season high and the most point production from a Richmond player since Abby Oliver scored 27 points against GW Feb. 26, 2010. Speaking of Oliver, after scoring two points in the first frame, the Roanoke native turned on the jets for 12 second-half points, including a pivotal three to put Richmond ahead 62-52 at the 4:36 mark after a Madison rally. Oliver finished with 14 points and a career-high seven assists.
Wann continued her stellar play off the bench with 17 points, going 5-of-6 from the field and 6-of-6 from the line. Wann is averaging 16.3 ppg in her last three games.
The score was tied six times in the first half and both teams went into the break with 28 points apiece.
The first 10 minutes of the second half mostly had Richmond ahead by a one possession lead, but the Spiders started to pull away after an Oliver three to take a 49-42 lead at the 10:18 mark. The Dukes would get no closer.
It was Richmond's fifth win in a row and second consecutive win over James Madison. The Spiders matched their most recent longest win streak of five games they previously held from Dec. 5 to Dec. 30, 2010.
Richmond made a season-high 25 free throws and had 19 assists.
The Spiders conclude the Lehigh Christmas Classic tomorrow night against host Lehigh at 7:30 p.m.
