Does Richmond Men’s Basketball Play Liberty University? A Tale of Two Conferences (and Maybe a Little Rivalry)
So, you’re wondering if Richmond and Liberty, those two basketball giants, ever go head-to-head on the court? You’re in for a treat, because this is a tale of two conferences, a bit of an unspoken rivalry, and a chance to dive into the fascinating world of college basketball scheduling.
The Short Answer: Yes, Richmond and Liberty do play each other, but not as frequently as you might think.
The Long Answer:
Let’s get this out of the way: Richmond and Liberty are both Division I basketball programs, and they do play each other. However, they don’t belong to the same conference, which means their regular-season matchups are limited.
Richmond, the proud Spiders, are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10). This conference is known for its competitive nature and its history of sending teams to the NCAA Tournament. They’ve even had a recent run of success, claiming the regular season championship in 2023.
Liberty, on the other hand, plays in the ASUN Conference. This conference is a bit newer and has a different kind of vibe. It’s got a reputation for being a little more “up-and-coming,” and while their basketball program hasn’t been as consistently dominant as Richmond, they’ve definitely made their mark on Division I basketball.
So, how do these two teams face off?
- Non-Conference Games: The key to these matchups is the non-conference schedule. Each team schedules games against opponents outside of their own conference to add variety and strength to their season. This is where Richmond and Liberty might cross paths.
- Scheduling Strategy: College basketball coaches are strategic about scheduling. They want to create a mix of tough games to prepare their teams for the conference season, while also making sure they have a chance to win games and improve their overall record for tournament consideration.
- The “Rivalry” Factor: Even though they’re not in the same conference, there’s a bit of a “rivalry” vibe between Richmond and Liberty. It’s not a deep-rooted, historical rivalry like Duke vs. North Carolina, but it’s a rivalry in the sense that both teams are located in Virginia and are looking to establish their dominance within the state. This adds a little extra spice to their occasional matchups.
Looking at the Schedule:
If you’re really curious about when these two teams will clash, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for their non-conference schedules. They usually play each other once every few years.
- 2023-24 Season: Check out the official 2023-24 schedules for both teams. You might find a Richmond-Liberty game on there!
- The Future: You can also stay up-to-date on future schedules by checking the official websites of both programs. They usually release their schedules a few months before the start of the season.
So, Why Don’t They Play More Often?
There are a few reasons why Richmond and Liberty don’t face off more frequently:
- Conference Obligations: The A-10 and ASUN conferences have their own schedules that prioritize games against their own members. These conferences want to maintain a sense of competition and loyalty within their own ranks.
- Scheduling Logistics: It’s not always easy to schedule games between schools that aren’t in the same conference. There are travel considerations, scheduling conflicts, and the overall “value” of a particular matchup.
- The “Rivalry” Factor (Again): While there’s a bit of a rivalry, it’s not a big enough one to warrant an annual matchup. Both teams have other priorities in their schedules.
What This Means for Fans:
If you’re a fan of Richmond or Liberty basketball, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them play each other every year. These matchups are special and add a little extra excitement when they do happen. In the meantime, you can enjoy the rivalry through online discussions, social media posts, and the shared excitement of watching both teams compete in their respective conferences.
The Bottom Line:
Richmond and Liberty do play each other, but only occasionally in non-conference matchups. Their conference commitments and scheduling logistics make it challenging for them to face off more frequently. However, their rivalry adds a little extra spice to those rare occasions when they do clash on the court. So, keep your eyes peeled for those exciting matchups and enjoy the thrill of watching these two Virginia basketball powerhouses go head-to-head.