The Richmond Senior J.V. men’s basketball team got off to a bit of a sluggish start against Union Pines Tuesday night at home, even falling behind by four at one point.

But after a pep talk from coach Donald Pettigrew at halftime, the J.V. Raiders came out on fire in the second half, outscoring the J.V. Vikings, 22-4 in the third quarter to win easily, 71-39.

Pettigrew said after defeating the J.V. Vikings handily last week, his team may have coasted a bit at the start.

But the pep talk helped the J.V. Raiders refocus, Pettigrew said.

Josh Calhoun led the way for the J.V. Raiders with 19 points. Greg Pettigrew added 15 and Raheem Bowden added 12. Jalen McDonald just missed double figures with nine points.

Earlier, the Richmond J.V. women led by just one at halftime, 15-14, before outscoring their Union Pines counterparts, 13-5 in the third quarter to begin to pull away.

Michellle Covington led the J.V. Lady Raiders with 15 points. Kevyna Stanback had 12.

J.V. Lady Raiders coach Vicki DeFrate said she was pleased with her team’s improved play. The J.V. Lady Raiders improved to 3-1 on the young season.

“We made some more layups, and moved the ball around better,” DeFrate said.

Both J.V. squads travel to Cape Fear tonight for a nonconference contest.

The women’s game is slated for a 5 p.m. tip, with the men to follow at about 6:30.

Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or by email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.