RADFORD, Va. – Radford and North Carolina A&T go head-to-head in men's basketball for the first time since the Aggies joined the Big South conference Saturday on the Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: North Carolina A&T (6-9, 1-0 Big South)
Date/Time: Saturday, January 8
th at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)
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SERIES HISTORY
In a series that dates back to 1988, the Highlanders own an 8-2 advantage through 10 games against N.C. A&T. Radford took an 84-68 victory over the Aggies on Dec. 8, 1988, setting the tone for a strong series against a quality regional opponent.
N.C. A&T's two victories have both taken place in Greensboro – an 86-56 win in 1989 and an 81-77 win in 2013. The Highlanders came out on top in their most recent meeting with the Aggies, however, taking a 66-60 decision in a neutral site game that was played in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. as part of the 2017 Continental Tire Classic.
In that game, A&T's Femi Olujobi led all players with 23 points and 11 rebounds, but Carlik Jones, Ed Polite Jr., and Caleb Tanner combined for 36 points and 12 rebounds. Kameron Langley dished out a game-high six assists for the Aggies, a feat he has accomplished numerous times in his career.
GET TO KNOW THE AGGIES
North Carolina A&T may not be a household name amongst Radford fans, but Highlander Nation should familiarize themselves with the Aggies now that they are fellow members of the Big South Conference.
The Greensboro, N.C. based institution sponsors 17 varsity sports at the Division I level, 16 of which are sponsored by the Big South: football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track & field, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, and women's volleyball.
Its athletics history dates back to 1924 and includes achievements such as winning seven straight men's basketball conference tournaments from 1982-88, having one of the best track and field programs in the nation -- highlighted by Kayla White winning the 2019 NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field National Championship in the 200 meters -- along with five FCS Championship postseason appearances, 55 MEAC championships, and four Celebration Bowl wins in five years.
N.C. A&T is the alma mater of many notable athletic alumni, such as Chicago Bears Pro Bowler Tarik Cohen, NFL Hall of Famer Elvin Bethea, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Al Attles, College Baseball Hall of Famer Al Holland, world-class sprinter Chris Belcher, Buffalo Bills defensive end Darryl Johnson and Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Brandon Parker. Additional notable North Carolina A&T alumni include Astronaut Ronald McNair, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr. and actor Terrence J.
SCOUTING THE 2021-22 AGGIES
Picked to finish third in the Big South North Division and garnering three first-place votes in the conference's preseason poll, expectations are already relatively high for N.C. A&T in its first year in a new league. They're off to a strong start, earning a 65-57 victory over Presbyterian to open the new year.
The Aggies currently sit middle of the pack within the Big South in most team statistical categories, but the squad has several standout players. Redshirt sophomore forward Marcus Watson ranks top-10 in the conference with 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Grad student guard Kameron Langley ranks 1
st in the Big South by a wide margin – and 17
th in the entire nation – with 80 total assists.
RAISE YOUR SHIELDS
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.
