Men's Basketball 1/10/2023 1:00:00 PM

Radford And Winthrop Prepare For Wednesday Night Bout

RADFORD, Va. – The Highlanders and Eagles are tied in the Big South standings as the next chapter in their long-storied history is written tomorrow night.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Winthrop Eagles (7-10, 2-2 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Winthrop Coliseum (Rock Hill, S.C.)

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Watch: CLICK HERE (ESPN+)
Listen: CLICK HERE (WRAD 101.7 FM)
Live Stats: CLICK HERE

SERIES HISTORY
Yet another historic rivalry between Big South foes continues this week as Radford brings a 42-40 all-time record against Winthrop into Wednesday night's contest.

Beginning on Jan. 19, 1985, the Highlanders and Eagles have traded blows for the last four decades in a series that has featured 5,593 points scored and countless close calls. The teams are 5-5 in the last 10 meetings, although Winthrop came out on top last season.

The Eagles welcomed Radford to Rock Hill on Feb. 9, 2022 and earned a 58-48 win. The Highlanders were held to just 35.3% (18-51) shooting as a team, but Rashun Williams (13 points, 5-11 FG) and Josiah Jeffers (10 points, 3 steals) still managed to have solid games. Kelton Talford went off for the Eagles, leading all players with 22 points on 9-12 shooting and nine rebounds off the bench.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Given the difficult job of replacing Pat Kelsey – who now has College of Charleston in the Top 25 in the nation – new Winthrop head coach Mark Prosser had an amazing 23-9 (14-2 Big South) season in 2021-22. This year hasn't gone quite as smoothly, however, as the Eagles have already surpassed their overall loss total and matched their loss total in conference play from a season ago.

One major reason for that regression is the loss of graduate student Michael Anumba, who suffered a season-ending injury. Junior forward Kelton Talford has picked up a lot of the slack, leading Winthrop in points (16.9 per game), field goal percentage (72.3%) and rebounds (7.7 per game). He's got plenty of help though, as Cory Hightower, Sin'Cere McMahon, Kasen Harrison and Toneari Lane all average 10.0 or more points a contest.

The Eagles rank 34^th in the nation with a 54.9 effective field goal percentage and 75^th in the nation with a 73.9 free throw percentage. Their 8.6 three pointers per game rank 67^th in the nation as well, but defense has been an issue thanks to a 46.2 field goal percentage defense that is just 319^th out of 363 Division I programs.

ROAD WIN RESEARCH
Radford has had its fair share of struggles winning on the road this season, but now have two victories away from the NRV – one against Elon and one against Gardner-Webb. So what do those two wins have in common that may help the team earn a third?

A few things stand out when looking at each box score. In both games, the Highlanders shot a higher percentage and out-rebounded its opponent, leading to halftime leads in both Burlington and Boiling Springs. Radford's bench also made major contributions in both games, out-scoring the opponents' bench by a combined 47-to-12.

Oddly enough, Radford committed more turnovers than its opponent in both games, but also went exactly 10-for-12 at the free throw line, showing once again how important it is to take advantage of trips to the charity stripe.

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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