OLD DOMINION PULLS AWAY FROM HIGHLANDERS BEHIND SECOND-HALF SURGE

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NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion outscored Radford, 24-4, over the final 12 minutes of the game to come from behind to defeat the Highlanders, 56-37, in nonconference women's basketball action Sunday afternoon at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Kermisha Clark buried back-to-back 3-pointers to lift Radford on top, 33-32, at the 12:29 mark of the second stanza. From there, ODU held the Highlanders to one field goal and two free throws the rest of the way as the hosts improved to 2-1 on the young season. RU falls to 2-2 following its two-game trip to Norfolk.

"I am really proud of our effort and competitive spirit today," head coach Mike McGuire said. "Our ladies competed and did an excellent job with our game plan. We knew we had to work hard to control the tempo of the game and our kids did an excellent job with that. We had a spurt midway through the second half where we panicked against their pressure and it ended up being the difference in the game. We are not pleased with the loss, but there are several positives we can take from this game and improve upon moving forward."

Radford's tenacious defense allowed the team to hang with the Monarchs, who were deeper and faster, for 30 of the 40 minutes. Prior to ODU's game-changing rally, the Highlanders held their opposition to 25.6 percent shooting. However, the Monarchs were able to create turnovers and cash in transition baskets to finish 8-for-16 (50 percent) in the closing minutes.

Even though ODU finishing strong, it did not end the game with the best shooting percentage. The Highlanders connected on 32.6 percent from the floor, compared to 32.2 percent by the hosts.

In addition to taking 16 more shots than Radford, the Monarchs visited the charity stripe 11 more times than their counterpart. Despite converting 4-of-5 from the line in the first half, the Highlanders only connected on 2-of-10 in the final frame. Meanwhile, ODU made 61.5 percent of its freebies, including 8-of-11 in the second stanza.

Although RU was undersized compared to its opponent, the Highlanders were focused on crashing the glass as they outrebounded ODU, 41-39. The rebounding margin was even greater at halftime as Radford claimed a 25-18 favor in the first 20 minutes of action.

The Monarchs' depth emerged in the end, however, increasing the pace of the game to more of an up-tempo style. The stat sheet revealed that storyline as the Conference USA squad claimed an 18-0 advantage in fast break points. ODU's ability to score in transition was aided by Radford's 26 turnovers, which the Monarchs converted into 25 points.

Rachael Ross and Breshara Gordon dropped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, to pace RU's offense. Clark finished 3-for-3 from distance en route to nine points. Ross, Clark and Ayana Avery each pulled down seven boards. Gordon tied her career high of five assists.

Preseason All-Conference USA selection Shae Kelley chalked up 13 points, while Chelisa Painter tallied a double-double behind 11 points and 11 rebounds for Old Dominion.

The Highlanders, which held ODU to 24.1 percent shooting in the first half, only trailed 23-21 at the break.

Radford continues its six-game road stretch Friday at Wake Forest. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C.

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