Strong Start Not Enough Against Longwood

Saturday, January 29

Radford, Va.

2:00 PM

Radford University

5-13,1-6Big South

Longwood

11-10,8-2Big South

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Longwood	21	21	16	20	78
Radford	17	9	6	19	51

1/29/2022 4:31:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford Women's Basketball program started strong against Longwood Saturday afternoon but ultimately came up short 78-51 at the Carilion Clinic Court inside the Dedmon Center.

The Highlanders responded with a strong first quarter to open up the game against the Lancers. The team shot just under 50% in the quarter while nailing a trio of three-pointers. Bridget Birkhead opened the scoring for the Highlanders with a three and then hit a second one a couple minutes later to give Radford a 10-6 lead. Rachel LaLonde hit a corner three to make it a 15-7 Radford lead, but the Lancers responded with a 14-2 run that would give them a 21-17 lead headed into the second quarter.

Turnovers plagued the Highlanders in the second quarter, something the Lancers' have been very successful at causing in Big South play so far this season. At halftime Radford had committed 12 turnovers but had also forced Longwood to commit 10 of their own. The Highlanders shot just 29% in the second quarter, however, allowing the Lancers to build upon their lead and make it 42-26 at halftime.

The fourth quarter went better for the Highlanders as they posted 19 points due in large part to LaLonde's physical play and heating up from deep again. The final result would end up going the Lancers way with a 78-51 final score.

LaLonde flirted with a double-double missing it by just one rebound. The junior finished the day with 12 points, nine rebounds and three steals which were all best on the team. Bryonna McClean and Birkhead were the team's top assist scorers with four each. Radford also only lost the turnover battle by just one turnover today while Alyssa Chapman also added seven points in her first career start.

QUOTABLE
"I thought our defense caused turnovers at an ok rate today, but we just weren't able to convert. Turnovers for us continues to be our Achilles Heel and we've got to figure it out. I thought Rachel did a good job today and we asked her to play quite a bit after missing a few games." -Head Coach Mike McGuire

NEXT UP
The Highlanders will stick to the home court and return for a bout with USC Upstate next Tuesday to open the month of February.

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.