MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – Down just 53-50 with 13 minutes left to play in regulation, the Radford men's basketball struggled to keep pace during a long Marquette run and ultimately fell, 79-69, at Fiserv Forum in the 2022-23 season opener on Monday night.
The Highlanders (0-1, 0-0 Big South) nearly erased a 10-point deficit, turning a 53-43 game into a one possession contest, forcing a timeout by the Golden Eagles (1-0, 0-0 Big East). The momentary pause in the action completely changed the direction of the game.
Fueled by a loud home crowd, Marquette proceeded to force turnover after turnover with its Havoc defense made famous by Shaka Smart at VCU. The Highlanders couldn't keep up their strong play on the offensive end and the hosts blew the game open with a 16-0 run that stretched more than five minutes of game time.
Radford regrouped to hold a 19-to-10 advantage for the rest of the game, but that five-minute segment in the second half truly decided the outcome of this one.
Freshman guard
Kenyon Giles balled out in his collegiate debut, showing no fear while playing in the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA arena. He shot 7-for-10 from the floor, including one 3-pointer, to lead the squad with 15 points.
Shaquan Jules played big minutes for Radford, recording his second career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. It was his first double-double since dropped 11 points and 14 rebounds against Hampton last January.
Despite spending much of the night in foul trouble, fifth-year senior
Josiah Jeffers spread the ball around for a team-high six assists.
Oso Ighadaro paced the Golden Eagles' offense with 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting. He was one of four players to reach double figures for the home team.
KEY STATS
- Radford shot just 5-for-25 (20.0%) from beyond the arc, but MU wasn't much better at 5-for-19 (26.3%)
- The Golden Eagles earned a 42-to-20 advantage in paint points
- Marquette also pulled down 41 rebounds to Radford's 34
- The Highlanders held Marquette without a field goal for the final 6:15 of the game
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
UP NEXT
The Highlanders continue their season-opening road trip and make their way to South Bend, Ind. where they'll clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game is set for Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. and will be aired live on ACC Network.
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.
