RADFORD, Va. – The Radford Highlanders look to continue their hot streak as they head to Charleston to take on the Buccaneers Wednesday night.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Charleston Southern Buccaneers (9-18, 5-9 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Charleston, S.C. (Buccaneer Fieldhouse)
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Radio:
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SERIES HISTORY
In their last matchup, the Buccaneers broke the Highlanders' four game winning streak against CSU, 63-60 in the Dedmon Center.
Bryan Antoine and Quentin Bolton Jr. spearheaded their teams in points with 19 apiece. Radford led going into halftime, but the Buccaneers outscored the Highlanders in the second half 36 to 23, clinching a win.
The Highlanders have won the last three contests when playing in Charleston. Last season,
DaQuan Smith and Antoine scored 19 points each and had a combined five steals to win 90-71 against the Buccaneers.
SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS
Charleston Southern is coming off a loss against Big South leader, High Point. Prior to that, the Bucs have had success on the road against USC Upstate for their second win against them. CSU holds an overall record of 6-7 in the Buccaneer Fieldhouse.
Guard RJ Johnson continues to head the Buccaneers in points and assists, averaging 15.8 points per game. Junior Taje' Kelly is a threat in the paint averaging 7.5 rebounds per contest, with an average of 14.1 points. The team is also top in the Big South for 3-point percentage defense.
SMITH EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Smith led the Highlanders to their first back-to-back conference victories this past week in contests at Gardner-Webb and against Longwood. The Holly Springs, Miss. native exploded for 20 points in the first half of Radford's nationally televised game against Gardner-Webb and ended the game with 24 points. He shot over 50% from the 3-point range overall. On Saturday, against Longwood, Smith was responsible for 21 of 88 points for the Highlanders big win. He heads the team in points so far this season, averaging 15.2 per game.
RADFORD'S STATS IN THE BIG SOUTH
With the conference tournament right around the corner, the Highlanders are looking to climb up the Big South ranks. Radford is currently tied for sixth place with a 5-9 conference record. Three other Big South teams share that conference record: Longwood, Presbyterian and Charleston Southern.
Radford sits in the third spot in Big South's scoring defense, behind Longwood and Winthrop. The team also holds the second most blocked shots with
D'Auntray Pierce blocking enough shots to come third in the 2023-24 conference standing. Antoine is in fourth in steals with 41 on the season.
Smith and
Kenyon Giles are in the top-10 for scoring, averaging over 15 points per game with Giles in the top-10 for assists. Smith is also third for 3-point field goals made.
Justin Archer in at third for rebounding with
Chandler Turner in the top-10, respectively.
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.
