RADFORD, Va. – The
Darris Nichols era officially begins for the Radford Men's Basketball program when Emory & Henry arrives to Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center for the 2021-22 season opener on Tuesday night.
SETTING THE STAGE – Fraternity and Sorority Life Night
Opponent: Emory & Henry Wasps (South Atlantic Conference - DII)
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 9
th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Purchase Tickets
Watch Live on ESPN+
Listen Live on WRAD 101.7 FM
Get Updates with Live Stats
SERIES HISTORY
The Highlanders own a spotless 5-0 all-time record against Emory & Henry, dating back to a 63-57 victory on Jan. 31, 1978. The last meeting between these two squads came on Nov. 13, 2010 when Radford squeaked out a 57-54 win. Tommy Spagnolo paced the Highlanders with 14 points while Gorkem Sonmez chipped in 10 points of his own.
SCOUTING THE WASPS
A charter member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) since 1976, Emory & Henry has officially made the move up to Division II by joining the South Atlantic Conference. This season, though, they'll be playing an entirely non-conference schedule before they begin play against SAC competition next year.
The Wasps went 2-8 during the COVID-shortened season in 2020-21, including an 0-7 record against ODAC opponents. They played a high-scoring brand of basketball, averaging 77.5 points per game and topping out at 109 points against Warren Wilson in the season finale. Top scorer Robert Holiday, Jr. has graduated, but Kevin Grau Rodriguez (13.6ppg), Tyler Arnold (12.5ppg), and Micah Banks (11.1ppg) all return.
EXHIBITION VICTORY
In their final preseason tune-up, the Highlanders defeated Eastern Mennonite, 83-60. Ten different players got on the score sheet in the contest, led by junior forward
Shaquan Jules with 14 points and eight rebounds. The Orlando, Fla. native went 5-for-7 (71.4%) from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
Radford debutant
Rashun Williams chipped in eight points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, two steals and two assists to put opponents on notice right from the jump.
Camron McNeil,
Bryan Hart, and
Dravon Mangum each added 11 points to keep the scoring balanced.
HOME, SWEET HOME
Radford has clearly benefited from a home court advantage over the years, evidenced by nine straight winning seasons inside the Dedmon Center dating back to 2012-13. The Highlanders have accumulated a record of 87-36 in that time, including a 9-5 record a year ago when fan attendance was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford men's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordHoops on Twitter, 'radfordhoops' Instagram or Radford Men's Basketball on Facebook.
