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Radford University Athletics

Home Of The RadFord Highlanders RadFord Highlanders
51
Presbyterian Presb 5-10,1-1 Big South
69
Winner Radford Rad 7-8,1-1 Big South
Presbyterian Presb
5-10,1-1 Big South
51
Final
69
Radford Rad
7-8,1-1 Big South
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Presbyterian Presb 28 23 51
Radford Rad 37 32 69
DaQuan Smith Twisting Floater
Rob Simmons

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Smith's 20-Point Performance Propels Radford In New Year's Eve Victory

RADFORD, Va. – Behind a season-high 20 points from DaQuan Smith and a strong defensive effort from start to finish, the Radford men's basketball team celebrated New Year's Eve with a 69-51 win over Presbyterian on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Highlanders (7-8, 1-1 Big South) stay perfect on Carilion Clinic Court in the Dedmon Center at 5-0 after holding the lead for all but 13 seconds against the Blue Hose (5-10, 1-1 Big South).
 
Smith eclipsed the 18 points he scored at Notre Dame last month with an ultra-efficient performance this time out, going 8-for-11 from the field and 4-for-4 beyond the arc for his first 20-point outing as a Highlander. The Holly Springs, Miss. Native got up for a pair of blocks for good measure.
 
Continuing his strong play as of late, Bryan Antoine set the tone for Radford, knocking down a three just 15 seconds into the game and then hitting another one on the very next possession. He joined Smith in double figures, scoring 13 points and leading all players with three steals.
 
Justin Archer dominated the boards, recording five points and 10 rebounds for his third double-digit effort in the last four games. Madiaw Niang (nine points, five rebounds) and Onyebuchi Ezeakudo (seven points, five rebounds, four assists) provided Coach Nichols and his staff with stability in the lineup as well.
 
Radford's defense was even better than its offense, holding Presbyterian to 39.1% (18-for-46) shooting overall and just 20.0% (4-for-20) from deep. The Highlanders forced 14 Blue Hose turnovers, swiping eight steals and swatting five blocks.
 
A 37-28 lead at halftime grew to as many as 20 before the final whistle as Radford controlled the flow of the game and cruised through the final few minutes of action to seal the victory.
 
KEY STATS
  • The Highlanders snap a five-game losing streak and a smaller two-game losing streak against PC
  • Onyebuchi Ezeakudo made his fourth start of the season and first since the William & Mary game on Nov. 23rd
  • Radford earned a 36-to-27 advantage in rebounds, including 12 offensive boards
 
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME  
UP NEXT
Radford welcomes USC Upstate to Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center for a 7 p.m. contest on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Tickets are available at radfordtickets.com and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
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.
 
 
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