REBOUNDING KEYS RADFORD’S 72-49 VICTORY OVER LYNCHBURG

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RADFORD, Va. – Behind 56 rebounds and three double-doubles, Radford defeated Lynchburg College, 72-49, in nonconference women's basketball action at the Dedmon Center Tuesday night.

For the second straight game, three Highlanders recorded double-doubles, led by Ayana Avery's 20 points and 10 rebounds. Rachael Ross contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordynn Gaymon chalked up a season-high 10 points, collected a career-high 13 boards and rejected four shots.

It was the first time since 2009 three players recorded 10 or more rebounds in the same game. Aisha Foy dropped in a season-high 12 points. Avery and Kiera McIvor dished out five assists each.

Radford (2-0) converted 25-of-67 field goals for 37.3 percent, and only missed four of its 18 free throw attempts for 77.8 percent. In addition to winning the rebounding battle (56-35), the Highlanders outscored LC in points off turnovers (21-11), second-chance points (15-5), fast break points (9-2) and bench points (19-6).

"I am proud of the girls for getting their second home win," head coach Mike McGuire said. "We also had good production in the post and three double-doubles again tonight. At the same time, tonight proved we must be better with our intensity and focus moving forward. There are specific things this year's team must do consistently well and we must lock in on those areas from this point forward."

Shannon Allan tallied 20 points to pace the Hornets, who played the game as an exhibition. LC shot 29.5 percent (18-61) from the floor and 71.4 percent (10-14) from the charity stripe.

Already ahead 11-7 at the 15:17 mark of the first half, the Highlanders mounted a 10-2 surge over the next three minutes to go ahead by double figures (21-9). Lynchburg countered with a run of its own, scoring 10 unanswered to trim RU's advantage to 21-19 with 9:47 showing on the clock. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Avery sparked a 10-0 streak for the Highlanders that pushed their margin to 31-19. Radford went into break on top, 41-30.

In addition to connecting on all six of their free throw attempts, the Highlanders shot 42.9 percent (15-35) in the opening stanza. The Hornets were held to 32.4 percent shooting (11-34).

Despite cooling off to 31.3 percent shooting in the second stanza, RU extended its lead to as many as 25 (63-38). Relentless defensive pressure finally got to Lynchburg in the second half as the visitors were forced into 12 of their 17 miscues during the final 20 minutes. Because the Hornets struggled to get a clean look at the basket, they were held to 19 points in the closing session.

Radford embarks on a six-game road swing beginning Friday, Nov. 15 at Norfolk State. Tipoff with the Spartans is set for 6 p.m. at Echols Hall in Norfolk, Va.

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