“They Left Everything They Had on the Court”
The Raiders competed against fifth-ranked Texas Longhorns in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament, succumbing to defeat 81–61 in Des Moines, Iowa. It was Colgate’s sixth overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament and fourth in five years.
“Hats off to Texas,” said Head Coach Matt Langel. “They assisted 20 times with 13 made 3-point shots. [Seniors Tucker Richardson and Oliver Lynch-Daniels] and their teammates fought like crazy to make it a game. They should be incredibly proud and hold their heads high. I know I’m proud to be their coach. They left everything they had on the court.”
It was the first-ever meeting between the two teams; Colgate had not faced a Big 12 opponent since Dec. 5, 2015.
Ryan Moffatt ’23 and Keegan Records ’23 scored 13 points each to lead the Raiders. Richardson drilled a 3-point shot early in the game to become the Raiders’ all-time leader in 3-point shots made. In addition, Richardson finished his career as the Colgate leader in assists and steals. He also completed his Colgate time in the top five in both scoring and rebounding and is the most decorated player in the history of the Patriot League.
Colgate made it to the NCAA after winning its third-consecutive Patriot League Basketball Championship with a 79–61 victory over sixth-seeded Lafayette at Cotterell Court. It was the Raiders’ fourth championship win in five years under Langel, who was named District 13 Coach of the Year for the second time and Patriot League Coach of the Year for the fourth time.
Richardson garnered All-District First Team, and Records earned Second Team honors. This marks the third time in four years that at least two players have been recognized on All-District teams.
Season Highlights
- The Patriot League Champion Raiders concluded the season with a program record 26 victories and a Patriot League record 17 league wins.
- Colgate rode a 26-game winning streak against conference opponents, the longest such streak in Patriot League history.
- Richardson ended his career ranked atop the program record book in games played (155), assists (626), steals (221), and 3-point baskets (268).
- Richardson is the only player in Patriot League history to earn all four major awards in a career: Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
- Records’ 67.6 field goal percentage is the best single-season mark in Patriot League history.