Men's Basketball 1/13/2023 12:30:00 PM

Radford and Charleston Southern Clash on Radford City Public Schools Day

RADFORD, Va. – Saturday's contest with Charleston Southern is sure to be an exciting one as the Highlanders return home and celebrate Radford City Public Schools Day.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Charleston Southern Buccaneers (7-9, 3-2 Big South)
Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center (Radford, Va.)

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

SERIES HISTORY
Radford and CSU have a fascinating history, dating all the way back to 1985 when it was still called the Baptist College at Charleston. The Highlanders own a 53-29 record all-time against the Buccaneers as part of a decades-long roller coaster ride.

Charleston Southern won the first two meetings in '85, but Radford responded with three straight wins between '86 and '87. The Highlanders won 10 straight games in the late 80's and early 90's, but CSU got a six-game winning streak of its own in the mid '90's.

Once again, the tides turned in the late 1990's and early 2000's as Radford went on a run that spanned 11 games. Currently, the Highlanders have won six straight against the Bucs, with the last loss coming during the 2018-19 season.

Last year, Radford defeated CSU 64-52 inside the Dedmon Center with all 11 Highlanders players who saw the floor scoring at least one point in a complete team effort.

SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS
There are no easy wins in the Big South and Charleston Southern is proof why. Picked to finish dead last in the 2022-23 Big South Preseason Poll, the Buccaneers come into Saturday's game 7-9 overall and tied for third in the conference at 3-2 against league opponents.

Head Coach Barclay Radebaugh has seen it all in his 16 seasons at the helm of the Bucs' program and is getting the most out of his underrated squad. After a 20-point loss to Gardner-Webb in the conference opener, they have defeated USC Upstate, Presbyterian, and High Point, the latter of which was an incredible 106-69 statement win.

CSU ranks first in the Big South and 51^st in the country with 25.2 three-point attempts per game, making their long-range shooting the bread and butter of a solid offensive scheme. At 77.3 points scored per game, the Bucs' rank 66^th in the nation in scoring offense as well, but only 306^th in scoring defense with 74.9 points allowed per game.

Claudell Harris Jr. is a walking bucket, averaging 18.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. He dropped 34 points on High Point his last time out and will need to be a focal point of Radford's defensive plan. Both Tahlik Chavez and Taje' Kelly are capable of lighting it up too however, adding 11.9 and 11.7 points per game, respectively.

GAME DAY PROMOTIONS
The game marks Radford Public City Schools Day – an event that will feature the Radford High School band performing all game, as well as recognitions for some of the very best educators in our community. The annual Diaper Derby will also be held at halftime, presented by Virginia529.

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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