BALANCED EFFORT DRIVES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PAST UNC ASHEVILLE, 64-52

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Behind a sensational first half and dominating in the paint, the Radford women's basketball team earned a pivotal 64-52 Big South victory over UNC Asheville Thursday afternoon at Kimmel Arena.

"This is a huge win for us," head coach Mike McGuire said. "I thought we played with a lot of poise and confidence out there. The execution of our game plan was on point. It was a complete team effort today."

A complete team effort is right as each Highlander who logged minutes scored at least four points. However, scoring wasn't where the team cohesiveness showed…it was in rebounding. Radford (7-18, 5-11 Big South) outrebounded the Bulldogs, 43-29, marking just the sixth time this season RU has won the battle of the boards. Seven Highlanders reeled in four rebounds or more. Their domination near the basket was evident on the stats sheet, gaining a 28-16 edge in points in the paint.

"I was very pleased with our rebounding," McGuire expressed. "It's been a while since we have had that large of a rebounding margin. Also, points in the paint were something we were worried about coming in against Asheville. For us to have that commanding of an advantage in the paint is a testament to how hard our team competed out there."

Radford finished at 46.9 percent shooting, including a 51.7 percent mark in the first half, and had three double-figure scorers. Aisha Foy led the way with 14 points, which included a 6-for-6 clip at the charity stripe. Breshara Gordon chipped in 11 points and dished out a career-high-tying seven assists. Kermisha Clark reached double figures for the fifth time in her rookie campaign with 10 points.

UNC Asheville (9-15, 6-9 Big South) was led by Shonese Jones, who scored half of her 14 points at the free throw line. Tianna Knuckles tallied 10 points for the Bulldogs, who were held to 26.3 percent shooting.

"We continue to improve and move closer to our potential," McGuire pointed out. "This was our goal at the beginning…to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season."

Looking to sustain their momentum, the Highlanders head further south to Rock Hill, S.C. for Saturday's 1 p.m. Big South clash against Winthrop.

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