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Women's Basketball

Women’s Basketball Opens 2021-22 Big South Play at UNC Asheville

RADFORD, Va. – Conference play is finally here for the Radford women's basketball team as they travel to UNC Asheville tomorrow for the final event for Radford Athletics in the 2021 calendar year.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: UNC Asheville, 5-6 (0-0 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 29th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kimmel Arena (Asheville, N.C.)

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Watch Live on ESPN+
Listen Live on WRAD 103.5 FM
Get Updates with Live Stats

SERIES HISTORY
The Highlanders and Bulldogs have a rich history, playing 82 times dating back to the 1986-87 season. The two squads met up twice last season in the Dedmon Center with the teams splitting the two matches. Radford dropped the first match-up by a close four-point margin before running away late the next day to win 74-53. Radford currently owns a 57-25 series edge winning six of the last nine meetings.

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
UNC Asheville finished their non-conference season winning five of 11 contests but comes in on a three-game losing streak. The Bulldogs picked up all their Division I wins in the Southern Conference by defeating Western Carolina, Wofford and ETSU. Nadiria Evans returned for her fifth year at UNC Asheville and is still terrorizing opponents in scoring and rebounding. Evans leads the team and Big South with 18.0 ppg while also leading her team in rebounds with 6.2 per game.

BLAKE STEPPING UP
Freshman Vanessa Blake has been stepping up for the Highlanders as of late, becoming the team's premier threat on the offensive boards. Blake has totaled six offensive rebounds over the last two games, which ranks best on the team. On the season, 21 of her 33 rebounds have come on the offensive end. Blake has drawn a lot of free throws in the paint as well, shooting 13 for 15 from the charity stripe. The impressive play by the newcomer earned her the starting nod against Coastal Carolina last weekend, the first start of her young career.
 
MCCLEAN ANCHORING THE TEAM
Only one Highlander will be entering their fourth season of Big South play tomorrow and that is senior Bryonna McClean. McClean has been the backbone of the Highlanders so far this season, starting in all but one game. McClean tied her season-high in points last Sunday against Coastal Carolina as the veteran dropped 13 points while filling in just about every other box in the score sheet. McClean led the Highlanders in points (13), rebounds (6), assists (4) and steals (3). She is the first Highlander to lead in the three categories of points, rebounds and assists since she last did it during the 2020-21 season.
 
A LOOK BACK AT 2021
Radford during the calendar year of 2021 has posted an 12-13 record dating back to the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. Radford finished Big South play strong last season winning four of their last five games including an overtime win over eventual conference tournament runner-up Campbell. The Highlanders have been dominant to the tune of a 3-1 record at home this season but are still looking for more success on the road.

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.
 
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Players Mentioned

Bryonna McClean

#12 Bryonna McClean

G
5' 9"
Junior
Vanessa Blake

#14 Vanessa Blake

C
6' 2"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Bryonna McClean

#12 Bryonna McClean

5' 9"
Junior
G
Vanessa Blake

#14 Vanessa Blake

6' 2"
Freshman
C