Gonzalez sinks two late free throws to lift Richmond over Maine

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- David Gonzalez made two free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining, lifting Richmond to a 44-42 victory over Maine on Monday night in the first game of the college basketball season in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic.

Gonzalez had 15 points and four rebounds to help the Spiders (1-0) overcome shooting just 33 percent and crush any hopes of a late comeback by Maine (0-1), who was 1-for-11 from 3-point range.

Mark Socoby had 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Junior Bernal added 10 points and eight rebounds for Maine, which tied the game at 42 before fouling Gonzalez on a layup.

Oumar Sylla added nine points and four rebounds for the Spiders, who will play No. 3 Memphis, which beat Tennessee-Martin 102-71 on Monday, in the regional final on Tuesday night. The tournament benefits Coaches vs. Cancer.

The first meeting between the schools was sloppy throughout, but few watched the game. Fewer than 100 fans were in attendance at tipoff in the 18,000-plus seat FedEx Forum, and the game was not televised.

Richmond began the second half with a 9-2 run before the Black Bears came back with a 10-2 spurt. Gonzalez hit two 3-pointers in the last 2 minutes for Richmond. A final desperation shot from halfcourt by Socoby bounced in and out, with the Maine bench arguing to no avail that a Richmond player touched the ball around the rim.