Wildcats break out in 2nd half to down The Citadel, 95-74

"If we don't become consistent, we will just be a shooting star, not a shining star. As a mid-major there is the chance to be a flash in the pan. We want to be like the programs who have done it consistently."

Bob McKillop's program took another step towards becoming a consistent mid-major power after blowing open the second half against The Citadel in the second SoCon game of the year. The Wildcats won 95-74 and improved to 2-0 in the Southern Conference.

Davidson was tied with The Citadel at 39 at halftime, but an offensive explosion led by Jason Richards' 15 points pushed the Wildcats ahead for good. Richards finished with 21 total points and 9 assists. He hit six three-pointers on the game.

The Wildcats played without Stephen Curry for most of the first half. He was hit in the mouth and needed seven stitches. He came back out wearing a #25 jersey and scored 13 second-half points to go along with six assists. Curry finished with 20 points for the seventh time this season.

The story of this one might have been the play of Bryant Barr. Barr finished with 23 points on six three-pointers. Last year, he hit a career-high seven three-pointers at The Citadel and at one point was shooting 13-16 against them for his career.

Davidson's second half run was sparked by aggressive defense and transition scoring.

"We told ourselves that we needed to make defensive stops. We came out aggressively and it worked out well for us with some transition points," said Jason Richards.

Davidson blocked a total of seven shots on the game and their defense forced 18 turnovers on 11 steals. Andrew Lovedale tallied four steals on his own.

"When you don't get stops, you are digging yourself out of a hole. Our defensive stops were key in getting creating scoring opportunities," McKillop said.

Richards' 21 points was his second highest output of the season. His 23 points against Western Michigan in November was a career high. Richards missed his first two shots of the game, but then went on a tear, hitting seven straight.

"Jason was shooting the ball well in practice and I expected that he could have a big game tonight. He's the backbone of this team," McKillop said.

Fans who left the game will be surprised to see the final score when they get home. The scoreboard reported that Jason Richards scored 22 points on seven threes. However, the scoreboard and statistics operators accidently recorded a three-pointer when Richards hit a layup. Davidson's final margin of victory was only 21 and not the scoreboard's 22.

Davidson will next face N.C. State on Dec. 21 in Raleigh.