Women's Basketball 2/14/2023 12:00:00 PM

Road Test Awaits Women’s Basketball at UNC Asheville

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women's basketball program is back on the road Wednesday afternoon for a big road test against UNC Asheville. The road contest marks the second to last true road game of the season for Radford.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: UNC Asheville (9-16, 5-9 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kimmel Arena (Asheville, N.C.)

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Watch Live on ESPN3
Listen Live with Tom Purvis on WRAD 1460 AM / 103.5 FM
Get Updates with Live Stats

SERIES HISTORY
The Highlanders and Bulldogs will renew a historic Big South series that has featured 85 meetings. Radford owns the series edge 59-26, winner of the last two meetings. On the road against the Bulldogs the Highlanders hold a steady 25-12 record and have taken two of the last three meetings in Asheville, N.C.

Radford and UNC Asheville opened Big South play all the way back on December 27th where Radford was dominant winning 69-42. With a season-high 45 points in the second half the Highlanders stormed past the Bulldogs with seven players scoring five or more points. Wagner led the way with 15 points while Blake wasn't far behind with 14, just missing a double-double with nine rebounds.

SCOUTING THE BULLDGOS
UNC Asheville comes into Wednesday's meeting winners of three of their last four games, most recently having their three-game winning streak snapped by Presbyterian. Over those three wins the Bulldogs defeated High Point, USC Upstate and Winthrop to double their Big South win total. After only scoring 60+ points once through their first 10 Big South games, the Bulldogs have scored well above that mark in their last four games.

McKinley Brooks-Sumpter leads the team offensively with 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Sophomore Jordaynia Ivie isn't far behind averaging 9.6 ppg. As a team the Bulldogs shoot well overall at 36% but have struggled from three-point range this season shooting 26%.

SOLID STARTING FIVE
The Highlanders have had success with the starting lineup including Rachel LaLonde, Olivia Wagner, Ashlyn Traylor, Vanessa Blake and Carmen Williams. When those five players lead Radford to start a game, the team has posted a 7-4 record primarily in Big South play. All five players are averaging over seven points a game this season with Williams, Wagner, and Traylor all over 50 assists on the season.

STRONG FREE THROW SHOOTING
After three straight efficient games at the free throw line, the Highlanders have moved into the top-four of the conference for free throw shooting. The team has combined to shoot 72% from the free throw line against Big South teams this season. Traylor leads the way with 39 makes from the charity stripe in conference while Blake and Williams also have 20+ makes.

FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford women's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @Radford_WBB on Twitter, 'radford_wbb' Instagram or Radford Women's Basketball on Facebook.

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Players Mentioned

#14 Vanessa Blake: C; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#0 Rachel LaLonde: F; 6' 1"; Senior

#23 Carmen Williams: G; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#11 Ashlyn Traylor-Walker: G; 5' 8"; Freshman

#5 Olivia Wagner: G; 5' 7"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#14 Vanessa Blake
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: C

#0 Rachel LaLonde
: 6' 1"; Senior
: F

#23 Carmen Williams
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: G

#11 Ashlyn Traylor-Walker
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: G

#5 Olivia Wagner
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: G