RADFORD, Va. – The 2023-24 Radford men's basketball home opener finally arrives when Eastern Mennonite makes a trip to the Dedmon Center on Sunday afternoon.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Eastern Mennonite Royals
Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Radford, Va. (Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center)
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Streaming:
CLICK HERE (ESPN+)
Live Stats:
CLICK HERE
Radio:
CLICK HERE (WRAD 101.7/103.5 FM)
Tickets:
CLICK HERE (RadfordTickets.com)
SERIES HISTORY
Some may be surprised to learn that the Highlanders and Royals haven't met in the regular season since 1979. Radford bested EMU four times between 1978 and 1979, winning by an average of 18 points.
The two sides did play each other in a preseason exhibition in 2021-22, resulting in an 83-60 win to mark
Darris Nichols' first game as head coach of the Highlanders. No players on the 2023-24 squad were part of the Radford program for that contest.
SCOUTING THE ROYALS
The Royals were picked to finish 12
th out of 13 teams in the ODAC this season, following a 7-18 record that included a 3-13 finish in conference play a year ago. Now in the program's sixth season under head coach Melvin Fenix, EMU will look to defy those expectations.
Eastern Mennonite played its season opener against Southern Virginia on Nov. 8, falling 73-65. Junior wing Aviwe Mahlong led the team with 16 points and six rebounds while freshman guard added 10 points while swiping four steals and tying for the team lead in assists with three.
THREE-POINT DEFENSE
Radford's perimeter defense was a point of strength last season and that trend doesn't look like it'll be changing anytime soon. Through two games against tough North Carolina and Marshall opposition, the Highlanders are holding opponents to just 28.2% (11-39) shooting from beyond the arc.
ENHANCING THE FAN EXPERIENCE
With men's basketball's first home game of the season comes fans' first chance to experience some new rules and offerings. With enhancement of the fan experience in mind, a clear bag policy has been introduced, as well as mobile concessions ordering and a brand new sponsor for the Courtside Lounge.
Read all about the changes by clicking here.
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.
