RADFORD, Va.—The Highlanders (4-7, 2-0 BSC) scored a season high 72 points in their second Big South tilt versus Charleston Southern (2-10, 0-3 BSC). Radford held the opposition to only 35 points, which is a season low in points allowed. This win gives Head Coach
Mike McGuire's team their largest margin of victory this season of 37 points. The Highlanders had three in double digits as well as double-doubles from
Amele Ngwafang and
Sydney Nunley.
Setting the tone early was Ngwafang who went to work on the low block, notching a layup in the paint. These were the first points of the day by either team. In the second quarter, Radford's 13-0 scoring run went unanswered until the five-minute mark. A layup and a made free throw by Nunley closed out the half for the Highlanders.
At the break, Radford as a team had already tallied a pair of season highs. Their 36 points is now the most first half points as well as 24 points that serves as the largest halftime lead this season. Ngwafang was 6-for-6 from the floor and already had 12 points and six rebounds. Nunley wasn't far behind with 11 points and seven boards. Other key contributions were five points from
Khiana Johnson in addition to eight combined points from
Bryonna McClean and
Aiden Rainford. The shooting discrepancy was 45.7 percent for the Highlanders and 15.2 percent for the Buccaneers.
Johnson wasted no time and commenced the third quarter with her fastbreak layup. Radford distributed the ball unequivocally well during this stanza, getting a total of seven different players involved in the scoring. With five seconds remaining on the shot clock,
Tina Lindenfeld's jumper increased the lead to 37 heading into the final quarter of play.
Of the 11 players played in the second half, nine of them scored for the Highlanders. Shooting for Radford came at 37.9 percent while their defense held Charleston Southern to 22.9 percent from the floor.
Speaking of defense, the Highlanders forced nine Buccaneer turnovers and scored four points off of those miscues. Radford maintained in control throughout the duration of the game holding possession for 37:38, with the game tied for only 2:22.
STAT OF THE GAME
To build off of the aforementioned Highlander defense, they were able to post eight blocks in the game. This outing ties their season high, which came at Morehead State. Hosting the Radford block party was
Aiden Rainford, Johnson, and Nunley who all finished with two each.
Makaila Wilson and
Taiye Johnson joined in and rejected one shot each. This is T. Johnson's first block of her career with Nunley enjoying back-to-back two block games.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE TROUBLE
The last time this duo of Ngwafang and Nunley had double-doubles in the same game was at South Carolina State. Ngwafang tied her career and season high in points with 15 and added 10 rebounds. Nunley notched a season high day in points at 15 and tied her season high 11 boards. Both shot efficiently during the game, going for a combined 13-for-17 from the floor and 4-for-8 from the charity stripe.
HIGHLANDER HIGHLIGHT
K. Johnson is not to be left out of the conversation with her 11 points putting her in double digits with her teammates. She added a pair of rebounds, blocks, steals, and five assists through 25 minutes. This is seventh time this season that Radford has ended a game with three players in double digit scoring.
QUOTABLE
"We took a good step forward today," said McGuire. "Today was a well rounded team effort and one that we needed. Our team needed to see what that would look and feel like. We had a good first week of conference play and it was necessary as we head into an important three game week."
TWEET OF THE GAME
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
This was an overall team effort as the reserves produced 29 points, tying the season high. The Highlanders controlled the painted area garnering 38 points from there. Second chance opportunities were key paired with a season high 59 rebounds, gathering 19 points from those chances. Radford displayed their speed in this matchup, racing down the court for a total of 15 fastbreak points. The Highlanders shot an impressive 42.2 percent, while holding the Buccaneers to 19.1 percent.
UP NEXT
Radford will make their first conference road-trip to High Point on Monday, Jan. 6 at 7:00 p.m.
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