RADFORD, Va. – Meeting for the first time since 2003, the Radford men's basketball team and the Marshall Thundering Herd will face off in The Greenbrier Resort's Colonial Hall on Friday night. 
 
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Marshall Thundering Herd
Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Location: The Greenbrier (Colonial Hall)

FOLLOW THE ACTION
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Live Stats: CLICK HERE
Radio: CLICK HERE (WRAD 101.7/103.5 FM)

SERIES HISTORY
The Highlanders and Thundering Herd went head-to-head for the very first time in 1986 and then played nearly every season between 1995 and 2003, but the regional rivalry has since gone dormant.
 
In nine previous matchups, Radford is just 1-8 against Marshall, with its one victory coming in a 73-65 outcome at the Dedmon Center on Dec. 2, 1998. While the Highlanders are 0-5 when playing in Huntington, the two mid-major programs have never met on a neutral floor.
 
SCOUTING THE THUNDERING HERD
Radford faces another tough test when it goes up against Marshall on Friday night. Coming off a 24-8 season in which they finish tied for second in the challenging Sun Belt conference, the Thundering Herd have some big shoes to fill while also returning quite a bit of fire power.
 
With both Taevion Kiinsey (22.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 5.4apg) and Andrew Taylor (20.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.7apg) gone, the top players on the team are Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team selections Kamdyn Curfman and Obinna Anochili-Killen. The 6'8" Jacob Conner also projects to play a major role as a lead guard.
 
Now in Head Coach Dan D'Antoni's 10^th season at the helm, Marshall will continue it's extremely fast style of play while hoping to build on its defensive improvements that moved the team from 258^th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency in 2021-22 to 104^th in 2022-23.
 
NEUTRAL SITES
Radford has played in a number of memorable neutral site games in the history of its program. From special non-conference matchups to conference tournaments to postseason appearances, the Highlanders have racked up win after win on neutral floors.
 
Entering Friday night, Radford is 4-4 in neutral site games under Head Coach Darris Nichols, with three of those wins coming last season. This year's squad brings a ton of that experience and success with them thanks to a win at Bojangles Coliseum and two at the College Basketball Invitational's Ocean Center.
 
FREE THROWS AIN'T FREE
It may be a small sample size, but it was great to see the Highlanders get off to a strong start at the free throw line this season. Going 9-of-10 (90.0%) against North Carolina, Radford is tied for 7^th in the nation in free throw percentage.
 
SPREADING THE LOVE
Those who have watched the Highlanders play in Darris Nichols' offensive system the past two years know that moving the ball quickly and efficiently is key. So, it may have come as a surprise that Radford was credited with just five total assists on 28 made baskets in the season opener.
 
No single player had more than one assist in the game, an uncharacteristic stat that was mainly a result of UNC's large size advantage forcing the Highlanders to make many individual plays. After the team averaged 11.8 assists per game a season ago, look for Coach Nichols' squad to spread the love a little more against Marshall.

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.