RADFORD, Va. – The Highlanders welcome in-state and Big South rival Longwood to the New River Valley for an important midweek showdown.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Longwood Lancers (8-5, 0-0 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 12
th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)
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SERIES HISTORY
It's fair to say the Highlanders have dominated the overall series with Longwood, coming out victorious in 27 out of 34 meetings between the two programs. Radford has won each of the last 10 games against the Lancers, last taking a loss on Feb. 27, 2016.
The duo of Commonwealth schools first clashed on Jan. 25, 1977 and played frequently until 1985 when a 20-year hiatus began. Their rivalry resumed in the 2000's and they most recently played each other on back-to-back days in December 2020.
The Highlanders came out on top in both games, moving their all-time record against Longwood inside the Dedmon Center to 16-1.
SCOUTING THE LANCERS
If you read the "Series History" section above, you may be under the impression that Radford is the clear favorite in Wednesday's game, but those numbers simply aren't representative of the Longwood team that is coming into the Dedmon Center this time around.
Fourth year head coach Griff Aldrich has the Lancers rolling to an 8-5 start to the season, one of its best in recent memory. Longwood leads the Big South in scoring offense (80.3 ppg), and scoring margin (+16.8) while dominating the boards with a +9.8 rebounding margin that is more than twice as much as the next closest team. To top it off, the Lancers also lead the league in turnover margin at +3.15.
Senior guard Isaiah Wilkins leads the team with 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and more than a steal per game. Leslie Nkereuwem (11.4 ppg), Justin Hill (11.2 ppg) and DeShaun Wade (10.3 ppg) add plenty of scoring punch as well.
JEFFERS' BIG WEEK
Fifth-year senior
Josiah Jeffers has been a steady contributor to the Highlanders this season, but the 6'1" guard put together the best two-game stretch of his career this past week. He posted 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a win at USC Upstate and then tallied 18 points, two rebounds, five assists, and four steals in an extremely close game against N.C. A&T.
Jeffers drew a combined 20 fouls in the two games, going 18-for-23 at the free throw line. He also shot .500 from the field and posted back-to-back season highs in minutes played at 28 and 33 respectively. The Burlington, N.C. native now ranks 10
th in the nation for steals per game to boot.
RAISE YOUR SHIELDS
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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.
