RADFORD SCORES 64-57 COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

BOX SCORE CHARLESTON, S.C. – Much like the first meeting, Radford had to rally in the second half to dispatch Charleston Southern 64-57 in Big South women's basketball action Thursday night inside Buccaneer Field House.

“Charleston Southern is a very aggressive team, a solid ball club,” head coach Tajama Abraham Ngongba said. “Their record doesn't indicate how well-coached and how hard they play. We didn't put forth our best effort tonight, but this road win was crucial as we move forward and try to reach where we want to be heading into the conference tournament.”

Trailing 32-27 at intermission, the Highlanders (12-7, 7-3 Big South) put the first six points of the second half on the scoreboard to go in front, 33-32, less than four minutes in. However, the Lady Bucs (6-13, 1-9 Big South) were able to halt the surge and battle with Radford for the next nine minutes.

CSU tied the contest for the ninth time with seven minutes remaining, but Victoria Hamilton was there with an answer for RU. The senior's back-to-back deuces ignited an 11-0 streak, capped by an and-one, to establish the Highlanders' largest advantage at 60-49 with 4:12 showing on the clock.

Dwindling the deficit to as little as five with just over a minute to go, the Lady Bucs were unable to get any closer as Radford held on for its seventh victory in its last eight outings.

Behind 42.9 percent shooting, the Highlanders were able to outscore the hosts 37-25 during the final 20 minutes of action. Connecting on 5-of-7 from the hardwood, Hamilton netted 12 of her 14 points in the second stanza. Reeling in a game-high 10 rebounds, Hamilton recorded her second double-double of the season and fifth of her career.

“Momentum really switched when Victoria took over,” Ngongba pointed out. “I cannot say enough about her versatility. She played every position for us tonight.”

Ayana Avery scorched the nets for a game-high 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, while Da'Naria Erwin Spencer dropped in 11.

Contributing 14 points and a game-high six assists, Shay Jones did her best to keep CSU within striking distance. Lakeitha Alston and DJ Fowler chalked up 11 and 10 points, respectively, to round out three double-figure scorers for the Lady Bucs.

Despite the hosts shooting 42.6 percent for the game, Radford (37 percent) was able to create a 17-8 advantage in second-chance points and a 27-13 favor in bench points.

Before returning to the Dedmon Center, the Highlanders conclude their four-game road swing at Coastal Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 2. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. inside The HTC Center, host site of the 2013 VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Women's Basketball Tournament.

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