Men's Basketball 1/11/2018 11:00:00 AM

RADFORD CARRIES MOMENTUM TO GWU FOR FRIDAY NIGHT CLASH

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GAME INFORMATION

SETTING THE STAGE

The Highlanders put their six-game winning streak on the line when they travel to North Carolina for the third time this season
Gardner-Webb is risking a six-game streak as well, having won all six games played at home this season
Radford sits alone atop the Big South standings at 4-0, but the Runnin' Bulldogs are right behind them tied for second at 3-1

SERIES HISTORY

Radford trails Gardner-Webb, 8-10, in the all-time head-to-head series
The teams first met during the 2007-8 season when the visiting team won one game each
Last season, the Runnin' Bulldogs managed to sweep the season series with two 70-59 victories

HIGHLANDER HIGHLIGHTS

Record: 11-6 (4-0 Big South) | RPI: 81
Radford is riding its first six-game win streak since coming out on top in eight straight games during the 2014-15 season
The Highlanders are outscoring opponents by a combined score of 455-394 during the streak
If they defeat GWU, they will move to 5-0 in conference play for the first time since 1999-2000
Radford is 6-2 since redshirt freshman Carlik Jones entered the starting lineup
The Highlanders are 2-0 when playing on Fridays this season. First they beat Georgia Southwestern, 72-63, on Nov. 10 and then defeated North Carolina A&T, 66-60, on Dec. 22
Radford thrives in close games, tallying a combined record of 8-2 in games decided by 10 points or less
Friday marks the 50^th career game for sophomore guard Donald Hicks. Through 49 games thus far, he has started in 47 of them
Junior forward Ed Polite Jr. continues to lead the Highlanders in several categories including points per game (13.8), rebounds per game (8.1), steals (27) and blocks (21)
Junior guard Caleb Tanner set a season-high in points with 13 at Charleston Southern earlier this week

SCOUTING THE RUNNIN' BULLDOGS

Record: 8-9 (3-1 Big South) | RPI: 213
Currently in his fifth year at the helm of GWU's men's basketball program, head coach Tim Craft has accumulated a record of 82-59
The Runnin' Bulldogs are looking for their first Big South title since joining the conference for the 2008-09. They were picked to finish fifth in the Big South Preseason Poll
Gardner-Webb has won at least 10 Big South games in each of the last four seasons
They're battle tested already this season after beginning the year with games at #12 Miami, #7 Florida and UCF. Trips to Auburn and Maryland were also on the slate in December
Gardner-Webb is led by David Efianayi who was named to the preseason All-Big South second team
The redshirt junior guard leads the Runnin' Bulldogs with 17.4 points and 1.2 steals per game
Senior guard Liam O'Reilly has been sharing the wealth, averaging a team-high 3.5 assists per game which ranks second in the Big South
Gardner-Webb ranks second in the Big South in rebounding with 37.4 boards per game. Nine different players are averaging 2+ rebounds per game each
The Runnin' Bulldogs' first two victories in conference play were by a combined five points. 58-55 over Liberty and 82-80 over Campbell

NEXT HOME GAME

Radford returns to the Dedmon Center for a major showdown with Commonwealth-rival Liberty on Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
The Flames are currently tied for second in the Big South with a record of 3-1
For tickets to the game, visit radfordtickets.com or call the ticket office at (540) 831-7889
If you can't make it, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 and MASN

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