WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The Radford men's basketball team stayed close all game long but could never quite get over the hill in a 61-52 loss to William & Mary at Kaplan Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Analyzing the box score reveals a number of reasons why the Highlanders fell to 3-3 with the loss, starting with turnovers. Radford committed a season-high nine turnovers in the first half and another season high of 16 overall.
 
Radford also had its first cold shooting performance of the season, as the Tribe's defense was stifling. The Highlanders shot 40.8% (20-49) from the field and more importantly 17.6% (3-17) from three-point range, including a 1-for-10 mark in the second half.
 
More opportunities on the offensive end could have made up for those deficiencies, but the hosts cleaned up the glass with a 37-to-29 advantage in rebounding as well.
 
Justin Archer had the best game of any Highlander on the floor, posting season highs in points (nine) and rebounds (six). Josiah Jeffers did extend his streak of dishing out multiple assists, connecting with his teammates for five dimes this out.
 
With Radford leading 12-10 in the early going, William & Mary completely controlled both ends of the floor on a 12-0 run that spanned more than five minutes. The Highlanders showed no quit, hitting six of their final seven shots of the half to pull within two possessions, 30-26.
 
Despite the struggles, there was a glimmer of hope for yet another comeback as Radford went on a 9-2 run in the second half to tie the game at 42-all. Three straight turnovers negated a chance to take the lead however, and the Tribe replied with a 10-2 run.
 
W&M kept its foot on the gas and closed out the game, denying any last-ditch efforts by the Highlanders.
 
KEY STATS

• Radford held W&M to a 39.6% shooting performance from the floor, but the Tribe went 4-for-10 from deep
• The Highlanders tallied just seven assists on their 20 made field goals
• Radford's depth has been a strength all season long and it was again Wednesday as it took a 21-to-15 advantage in bench points

 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will have a chance to enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends before hitting the road once again this weekend. Radford will travel to Elon on Sunday, Nov. 27 for a 2 p.m. match-up with the Phoenix.
 
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.