RADFORD, Va. -- Radford returns to action Monday night after a week off when it hosts in-state rival and one of the hottest Big South teams, Liberty. Tip-off from the Dedmon Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Game Notes

With one more league contest before the second half of Big South place begins, Radford (5-13, 4-3 Big South) sits alone in fourth place a game ahead of Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern, while Liberty (15-4, 6-1) is a half game behind Gardner-Webb in second place.

The Highlanders return to the friendly confines of the Dedmon Center, where they have won three straight, looking to rebound from a pair of road losses at Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern.

After falling in their conference opener, the Flames have won eight straight games, including their last six in league play, after picking up a big road win at then-first place High Point on Saturday afternoon.

In its last contest, Radford fell short in its comeback bid at Charleston Southern, 67-61, Monday evening from CSU Fieldhouse.

Radford rallied from an early 11-point deficit to take a brief two-point lead in the second half. After one more tie, a free throw by Ali Schwagmeyer with 5:10 left gave CSU the lead (52-51) for good.

Radford got within one possession three times in the final four minutes, but CSU hit critical free throws to seal the victory. Redshirt senior Kymesha Alston (Hampton, Va.) led the Highlanders with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

The teams will be meeting for the 51st time with the Lady Flames holding a 27-23 advantage. Liberty swept last season's series, including a 80-61 victory in the Dedmon Center on March 6, 2009, and have won 26 of the last 29 meetings.

Liberty is currently riding an eight-game winning streak after defeating High Point, 75-62, on the road Saturday.

Devon Brown averages a league-best 17.2 points per game, while pulling down a team-high 8.8 boards per contest which is second in the Big South.

Always one of the top rebounding teams in the nation, the Flames pull down 41.9 caroms per contest and hold a NCAA-best +15.9 advantage on the glass. They also shoot 48 percent (3rd NCAA) from the floor with seven players shooting over 40 percent, including three at 53 percent or better. Defensively, they are second in the NCAA in scoring and fourth in field goal percentage.

Radford begins the second half of Big South play on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. hosting first place Gardner-Webb as part of the University's homecoming weekend.