RADFORD, Va. – The Highlanders face yet another strong Big South opponent when they travel to North Carolina for a meeting with the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Wednesday night.
 
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs (12-8, 4-1 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Asheville, N.C. (Kimmel Arena)

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

SERIES HISTORY
Yet another historic Big South rivalry will have a new installation on Wednesday night as Radford and UNC Asheville clash for the 81^st time in program history. Up to this point, the Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 41-39.
 
The Highlanders have an impressive 23-12 record when playing the Bulldogs at home, but are 15-25 in Asheville. Radford has now lost three straight games against UNC Asheville, with each game decided by single digits.
 
In their most recent meeting, on Feb. 16, 2023, Bryan Antoine and DaQuan Smith combined for 24 points, but the Highlanders shot just 31.3% (20-64) as a team. Drew Pember led UNC Asheville with 19 points, nine rebounds and four blocks while his team shot 47.9% (23-48) from the field and 38.5% (5-13) from deep.
 
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
The reigning Big South champions are the best team in the league until proven otherwise. After going 27-8 (16-2 Big South) and representing the conference in the NCAA Tournament a year ago, UNC Asheville was named preseason favorites once again.
 
Head Coach Mike Morrell has the Bulldogs off to a 4-1 start in league play this year, with the one loss coming against the reborn High Point Panthers. Reigning Big South Player of the Year Drew Pember continues to show why he earned the distinction, averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steal per game this season.
 
As a team, the Bulldogs excel in a number of areas, none more than their ability to get to the free throw line. UNC Asheville enters Wednesday's game ranking fourth in the nation in free throws made per game and seventh in attempts. They also rank 43^rd in the country in assists per game (16.1), 45^th in three-point percentage defense (30.3%) and 35^th in scoring offense (81.5).
 
DAY AND NIGHT
You wouldn't think it'd make much of a difference, but the numbers show that playing during the day has been beneficial for the Highlanders compared to playing at night. Through 20 games this season, Radford is 8-1 when playing during the day (before 5 p.m.) and 4-7 when playing at night (after 5 p.m.)
 
Those numbers bring the program to 24-16 during the day and 19-25 at night during the Darris Nichols era. On top of every of variable that affects game day outcomes, the Highlanders will have to overcome the late starts that come with midweek Big South contests going forward.
 
FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
Before the Highlanders last game, we looked at the challenges the team has faced in earning trips to the free throw line. Now, it's time to mention that when they do shoot free throws, they make them.
 
Radford ranks 81^st in the nation and third in the Big South with a free throw shooting percentage of 73.9%. Opponents have shot an impressive 72.4% against Radford this season, but Longwood, Gardner-Webb, Presbyterian and USC Upstate are all under 70.0% on the year.

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.