Women's Basketball 11/18/2021 1:00:00 PM

Women’s Basketball Prepares for Pair of Weekend Games

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford Women's Basketball team is set for a pair of games this weekend against Lenoir-Rhyne and West Virginia. Radford will start off the weekend Friday night with a home match against Lenoir-Rhyne before hitting the country roads to face West Virginia on Sunday afternoon.

SETTING THE STAGE VS. LENOIR-RHYNE
Friday Opponent: Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (1-2, 0-1 DII SAC)
Date/Time: Sunday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)

SETTING THE STAGE VS. #22 WEST VIRGINIA
Sunday Opponent: #22 West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Date/Time: Sunday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: WVU Coliseum (Morgantown, W.Va.)

FOLLOW THE ACTION AGAINST LENOIR-RHYNE
Watch Live on ESPN+
Listen Live on WRAD 103.5 FM and 1460 AM
Get Updates with Live Stats

FOLLOW THE ACTION AGAINST #22 WEST VIRGINIA
Watch Live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Listen Live on WRAD 103.5 FM
Get Updates with Live Stats

SERIES HISTORY
The Highlanders have never played Lenoir-Rhyne during the regular season, but they have faced off with West Virginia three times in the last ten years. Radford and West Virginia first met in 2010 in Morgantown with the last two games coming on neutral courts in Charleston, W.Va. and Beckley, W.Va. In 2019, when the Highlanders and Mountaineers last faced off, Radford was edged 74-37 against their ranked opponent. Taiye Johnson, Rachel LaLonde and Bryonna McClean are the only remaining Highlanders from that squad. McClean played the most minutes of the trio in that game, pulling down three rebounds and recording an assist.

SCOUTING THE BEARS
Lenoir-Rhyne has had a successful start to their season despite just one win in their first three games. The Bears have lost their last two games against Division II opponents No. 3 Lander and in overtime against Wingate. Emily Harman is the team leader on all fronts. Harman leads the Bears in points (54), rebounds (24) and assists (12) so far this season. Head coach Graham Smith is currently in his second season at the helm after going 6-14 in his debut season last year. During Smith's tenure, the Bears hold just a 1-10 record while on the road while going 6-6 at home. Friday night's contest will be an exhibition for the Bears, but it is their first road game of the 2021-22 season.

SCOUTING THE MOUNTAINEERS
West Virginia has played just one game so far this season but will play their second game on Friday night before hosting the Highlanders. In their one game, the Mountaineers were dominant in dispatching St. Francis (PA) 86-33. Esmery Martinez was the team's leading scorer with 19 points, but five total Mountaineers hit double-digit point totals. West Virginia is currently ranked 22nd in the AP Poll and 23rd in the Coaches Poll. In a strong conference, West Virginia was selected to finish third in the Big 12 preseason poll. Martinez also earned preseason recognition by being named to the 2022 Women's Naismith Trophy watch list.

HOT SHOOTING HIGHLANDERS
The Highlanders have shot 50% or better in half of the quarters played this season, including shooting at a 60% clip in the third quarter of last Sunday's game against Marshall. Currently four Highlanders are shooting over 50% on the season with a minimum of five attempted shots. The free throw line has also been a source of offense for the team as they are shooting 29-36 (81%). From three-point range Radford has been successful shooting 43% with Kyanna Morgan leading the team with four made threes.

FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford women's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @Radford_WBB on Twitter, 'radford_wbb' Instagram or Radford Women's Basketball on Facebook.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#30 Taiye Johnson: C; 6' 5"; Junior

#0 Rachel LaLonde: F; 6' 1"; Junior

#24 Kyanna Morgan: G; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#12 Bryonna McClean: G; 5' 9"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#30 Taiye Johnson
: 6' 5"; Junior
: C

#0 Rachel LaLonde
: 6' 1"; Junior
: F

#24 Kyanna Morgan
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: G

#12 Bryonna McClean
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G