RADFORD, Va. – After nearly knocking off the Big South-leading Longwood Lancers in overtime earlier this season, the Radford men's basketball team makes a return trip to Farmville for a much-anticipated rematch.
 
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Longwood Lancers (21-6, 13-1 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 23^rd at 7 p.m.
Location: Willett Hall (Farmville, Va.)

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Watch Live on ESPN+
Listen Live with Rick Watson on 101.7 WRAD
Get Updates with Live Stats

SERIES HISTORY
Radford has dominated the all-time series with Longwood, going 27-8 since their very first meeting on Jan. 25, 1977. The Highlanders had even won 10 straight match-ups coming into this season.
 
That all changed when the Lancers came into the Dedmon Center and left with an 83-75 overtime victory last month. It was only the second time Longwood has won in Radford, but as fans know by now, this year's team is different.
 
In that game, Longwood got 24 points and four assists from Justin Hill as well as 16 points and nine rebounds from Isaiah Wilkins. Leslie Knereuwem rounded out the scoring with 11 points, thanks mostly to a 7-for-12 day at the free throw line.
 
Radford is 10-6 all-time when playing in Farmville so there's still a chance the Highlanders came away from Farmville with revenge.
 
SCOUTING THE LANCERS
What an incredible season it has been for the Longwood Lancers. Even though they were picked to finish a respectable second place in the Big South North Division Preseason Poll, the Lancers have exceeded all expectations.
 
Going into Wednesday's game, Longwood ranks first in the conference for offense (76.9 points scored per game) and third for defense (65.4 points allowed per game). They lead the league in rebounding (37.7 rebounds per game), turnover margin (+2.52), assists per game (14.59) and even steals per game (8.0).
 
Averaging 1,360 fans across 16 home games this season, Longwood has turned Willett Hall into a difficult place to play for visitors. The Lancers are 15-1 at home this season, including a perfect 7-0 mark during Big South play.
 
THREE-GAME WINNING STREAK
The Highlanders are on a three-game win streak for the first time since November and the timing couldn't be better. With just two regular season games left to play, Radford has improved from 3-8 in conference play and dead last in the North Division to 6-8 and tied with N.C. A&T for third place.
 
During the three-game winning streak, the Highlanders have held opponents to just 61.7 points per game, giving the team a +4.0 scoring margin. Radford has also shot a much-improved 77.8% at the free throw line and gotten turnovers under control to the tune of a +5.3 turnover margin.
 
STAPLETON'S STRIDES
Artese Stapleton was a strong contender to take the reins as Radford's starting point guard coming into this season, but his first year at the Division I level has come with plenty of ups and downs. Luckily for the Highlanders, he's peaking at the right time. 
 
The 6-2 junior started and played nearly 36 minutes in a huge win over Campbell on Wednesday, posting a career-high 19 points (7-11 FG, 1-1 3FG, 4-4 FT) with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. He then proceeded to drop 15 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3FG, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists and a steal in another win on Senior Day. That's good for averages of 17.0 points on 63.2% shooting/100.0% FT, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in the last week.
 
REMAINING GAMES
The Highlanders have just one regular season game left after they play Longwood to vie for seeding in the Big South Tournament:
 
Saturday, Feb. 26 – 5:00 p.m. – at North Carolina A&T

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.