Jones lifts Richmond past VMI 72-69

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) ShawnDre' Jones scored 31 points and sank three free throws in the final seconds to lift Richmond over VMI for a 72-69 win in the season opener for both teams Friday night.

Jones was 9 of 13 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and hit 9 of 11 from the free throw line. His last three free throws broke a 69-69 tie with 3 seconds left and VMI was unable to get the ball down court for a final shot before the buzzer.

T.J. Cline had 15 points for Richmond, which shot 47 percent from the field (23-49) and had 14 turnovers.

VMI twice tied it up in the final 89 seconds, knotting it at 66 with QJ Peterson's layup and then at 69 with 14 seconds left on Fred Iruafemi's free throw.

Julian Eleby led the Keydets with 29 points and Peterson finished with 18.