RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's basketball tackles a quick turnaround when it travels to Rock Hill for another showdown with the Winthrop Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
 
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Winthrop Eagles (12-6, 3-0 Big South)
Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Rock Hill, S.C. (Winthrop Coliseum)

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

SERIES HISTORY
As one of the oldest rivalries in Radford and Big South history, the Highlanders own a 45-40 record against Winthrop, dating back to 1985. In regular season conference matchups, Radford is 41-31 versus the vaunted Eagles.
 
After Winthrop managed to sweep the season series in both 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Highlanders got revenge with a trio of wins last year, including one in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament.
 
In that contest, Kasen Harrison and Kelton Talford combined for 46 of Winthrop's 69 points. Josiah Jeffers, Shaquan Jules and DaQuan Smith countered with a combined 57 of Radford's 78-point effort, sending the Highlanders through to the conference semis.
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Separated from the Highlanders in the 2023-24 Big South Preseason Poll by just two points, the Winthrop Eagles are expected to compete for their 11^th regular season title and/or 14^th tournament championship this season.
 
Now in Head Coach Mark Prosser's fourth season at the helm, the Eagles are a perfect 3-0 to begin Big South play to follow up on a strong non-conference showing that included wins over Coastal Carolina, Queens and Elon.
 
Junior forward K.J. Doucet leads the team with 13.2 points per game and he wasn't even on the Preseason All-Big South list. Three other Eagles were however, with Kelton Talford (12.8 points/4.9 rebounds) and Kasen Harrison (11.2 points/3.9 assists) living up to that billing.
 
As a team, Winthrop ranks second in the nation in free throw attempts per game and fourth in the country in free throws made. Just like Radford, the Eagles excel in limiting three-pointers, ranking 35^th in the country in three-point percentage defense.
 
DYNAMIC DUO
The backcourt duo of DaQuan Smith and Kenyon Giles showed out on national television Thursday night, dropping 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, respectively.
 
The performance marked the first time Radford has had two players score 20+ points in a single game since Travis Fields Jr. (22 points) and Carlik Jones (20 points) did it at Maryland on Dec. 29, 2018.
 
HARRIS RETURNS
The injury bug has been an issue for the Highlanders all season long, but they finally got some good news on Thursday night. Junior forward Josiah Harris, who transferred in from St. Francis Brooklyn this offseason, made his season and Radford debut in the big win at Longwood.
The athletic big man averaged 9.2 points and 8.8 rebounds a season ago and got his feet wet with one point and four rebounds in his first outing of the year. Harris will play an even bigger role as the season rolls on, starting with Saturday's contest at Winthrop.

FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford men's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordHoops on Twitter, 'radfordhoops' on Instagram or Radford Men's Basketball on Facebook.