TOUGH NIGHT FOR HIGHLANDERS ENDS IN LOSS AT CHARLOTTE

BOX SCORE CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte opened Wednesday night's game at Halton Arena on a 9-2 run, and Radford was never able to mount an answer as the 49ers pulled away to a 68-52 victory. The loss is the third straight for the Highlanders and the first game without the services of injured point guard R.J. Price.

Price turned an ankle in practice earlier in the week leaving Radford with two true freshmen running the point for Radford in Rashun Davis and Taj Owens. Charlotte (11-1) took advantage forcing seven Highlander turnovers in the first eight minutes of play and converting that into 11 points off those miscues. At the same time, RU opened the game hitting just three of its first 12 shots from the field and the first seven rebounds of the game went to the 49ers.

The Highlanders (5-6) were able to stablilize the turnover margin throughout the remainder of the game and ended up tied at 15 for the game in that category. The shooting woes, however, stayed with the Highlanders in the half hitting just 8-30 (.267) from the field overall and 1-9 (.111) from behind the arc. Charlotte led at the half, 38-19.

RU head coach Mike Jones said that even though he was disappointed in how his team played in the first half, he was proud of the effort in the second half.

"Once we realized that we could stop them defensively, turn them over, and score on the offensive end, we played with a lot more confidence."

To Radford's credit, the team opened the second half with a pair of baskets, including a break-away dunk by Javonte Green, and turned up the defensive pressure on the 49ers in the final 20 minutes. The Highlanders cut the lead to 12 on two ocassions in second half and showed the mettle of a team maturing against stiff competition.

Green led the second half surge scoring 12 of his team-high 16 points after halftime. Davis added 11 points in his first career start. Jalen Carethers tied a career-high three blocked shots in his first career start. Owens grabbed a career-high five rebounds from his point guard position.

"It took some courage for our two freshmen point guards to play like they did tonight. They competed, and it was a great learning experience for them."

Radford will play its final game prior to Christmas on Saturday as the Highlanders travel to Morgantown, W.Va. to face West Virginia. Tip is set for 4:00 p.m.

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