RADFORD DISPLAYS SHOOTING TOUCH IN 70-56 EXHIBITION WIN OVER BLUEFIELD

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BOX SCORE

RADFORD, Va. – Behind three players in double-figure scoring and 47.3 percent shooting, the Radford women's basketball team defeated Bluefield, 70-56, Saturday afternoon in an exhibition contest inside the Dedmon Center.

Ayana Avery paced all players, offensively, with 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Kermisha Clark showed no signs of rookie jitters as the freshman charted 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting to accompany her team-high eight rebounds. Aisha Foy tallied 11 points in addition to a game-high five assists and three steals.

Despite battling early foul trouble, Rachael Ross nearly reached double-figure scoring with nine, connecting on 4-of-6 of her attempts. She also contributed three blocks. Kiera McIvor and De'June Robinson combined for eight of the Highlanders' 15 steals in the contest.

RU converted 28 giveaways into a 29-15 advantage in points off turnovers. The Highlanders also had a 14-4 favor on the fast break.

"I thought today was a good start for us since it was our last dress rehearsal before our season opener next Saturday," expressed head coach Mike McGuire. "There are a lot of positives we can build on. We had three guards in double figures. I thought that was good balance. The fact we shot 47 percent and managed our foul trouble given our depth is great. We want to continue to put our players in the best position to be successful, so we have a week to improve upon that and get ready for Emory & Henry."

Janee Simmons led the Rams with 16 points behind a 7-of-10 performance from the floor. Teqa McNeal chipped in 14 points and Asia Wheeler added 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Thanks to Wheeler's standout showing on the glass, Bluefield owned a 41-29 edge in rebounding. Shot efficiency was not a problem for the Rams either, as they connected on 42.6 percent of their shots.

Much like last season's meeting, Bluefield seized early momentum as the visitors gained an 8-3 lead at the 17:24 mark. The Highlanders showed resiliency to chip away at their deficit. Ross' deuce with 15:24 to go in the opening stanza propelled Radford on top for the first time at 11-10.

After Simmons converted a layup to reclaim the edge at 12-11, the Highlanders embarked on a 9-0 rally to create separation. Radford's lead never dwindled lower than six the rest of the half as the hosts snatched a 38-26 advantage at the break.

Out of halftime, RU continued to pull away as Avery's layup at the 13:46 mark expanded the Highlanders' lead to 16 (50-34). After Ross nailed a free throw to give Radford its largest lead at 66-48, the Rams reeled off six straight points to trim the gap to 12 with 3:54 to go. The Highlanders' defense put a halt to the rally by forcing three turnovers down the stretch to seal the victory.

RU opens its regular season next Saturday, November 9 at 6 p.m. against Emory & Henry inside the Dedmon Center.

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