Highlanders Stall Out in 63-54 Defeat To UNC Asheville

Thursday, February 16

Radford, Va.

7:00 PM

Radford University

17-11,11-4Big South

UNC Asheville

21-7,13-2Big South

Team	1	2	F
UNC Asheville	33	30	63
Radford	27	27	54

Photo by: Rob Simmons

Highlanders Stall Out in 63-54 Defeat To UNC Asheville

2/16/2023 9:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – The coldest shooting night of the entire season doomed the Radford men's basketball team in a 63-54 defeat to UNC Asheville on Carilion Clinic Court in the Dedmon Center on Thursday night.

Playing in front of yet another fantastic crowd, the Highlanders went just 20-for-64 (31.3%) from the field and 3-for-18 (16.7%) on three-pointers. They attempted 16 more shots than the Bulldogs, but the visitors were much more efficient with a 47.9 shooting percentage on the night.

Coach Nichols' squad would have moved into a tie for first place with a win, but instead remain in sole possession of second with a 17-11 record on the year and 11-4 record in conference play. Meanwhile, UNC Asheville's bid for a regular season championship took a big step forward as the frontrunners improve to 21-7 overall and 13-2 against Big South foes.

Bryan Antoine and DaQuan Smith were forced to take tough shots all night, but both managed to put up double figure scoring. Antoine led the way with 13 points and five rebounds while Smith added 11 points.

Justin Archer had a solid game of his own, going for six points and 10 rebounds, the eighth time he's pulled down 10+ boards this season.

The leading candidate for Big South Player of the Year, Drew Pember, was held in check in the first meeting between these two teams, but he came up huge for his team this time out. The Tennessee transfer recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and a pair of steals.

The Highlanders took a quick 6-2 lead but never led again after the Bulldogs went ahead, 8-6.

KEY STATS

Radford pulled down 15 offensive rebounds while holding UNCA to eight
The Highlanders did play well on defense despite the loss, forcing 16 turnovers compared to just seven giveaways
Radford matched its season low in assists with seven

HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME

2H | 14:15
UNC Asheville 40, Radford 33

Shaq Jules going UP!#RiseAndDefend?? x #BigSouthMBB pic.twitter.com/bfkQe1L3bd
— Radford Men's Basketball (@RadfordHoops) February 17, 2023

AROUND THE BIG SOUTH
USC Upstate 72, Longwood 67
High Point 71, Presbyterian 69
Winthrop 86, Gardner-Webb 78
Campbell 67, Charleston Southern 51

UP NEXT
No time to rest as the Highlanders play on the road at Longwood this Saturday. The game is slated for a 3 p.m. tip and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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.