RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's basketball team dug an early hole and was unable to climb back out in a 75-65 loss to USC Upstate at the G.B. Hodge Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
UPDATED RECORDS
Radford: 13-11 (3-6 Big South)
USC Upstate: 6-16 (2-7 Big South)
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
With new faces mixing into the starting lineup, it's no surprise that the Highlanders looked a bit out of sorts to begin the game. Turnovers, especially, added up over the first eight minutes and USC Upstate took advantage by building a 17-5 lead by the 12:10 mark.
 
Radford began to find its footing soon after, going on an 8-0 run that eventually grew to a 14-3 streak to pull within one, 20-19, with 6:57 left to play in the half.
 
The Spartans fired back with a 7-0 run of their own, but the Highlanders had it in them to put together one more 7-0 run to close out the half, as DaQuan Smith's three-pointer with five seconds on the clock made it 33-30, in favor of the hosts, at halftime.
 
After a pair of traded baskets made it a 36-34 game right at the start of the second period, the Spartans raced out on an 11-0 run that restored their lead to 47-34. That advantage would prove to be fragile however, as foul trouble for USC Upstate handed the Highlanders free points at the line over and over.
 
In an 11-1 run for Radford, Bryan Antoine caught fire to score seven points in quick succession. Justin Archer, Chandler Turner, and DaQuan Smith all hit big shots as well, pulling the Highlanders within four at 58-54 with 7:50 to go.
 
A three-pointer on the very next possession from Miguel Ayesa showed that the home squad was unfazed by Radford's comeback effort and the deficit remained for the rest of the contest.
 
USC Upstate fended off the Highlanders, out-scoring them 20-to-15 over the final seven-plus minutes to seal the win.
 
KEY STATS

• Justin Archer recorded his fourth double-double of the season and eighth of his career with 12 points (5-5 FG) and 12 rebounds
• DaQuan Smith came off the bench to lead all players with 20 points on 3-of-6 shooting from three-point range
• The Highlanders narrowly won the rebounding battle, 35-to-34
• Radford shot just 42.4% (25-59) from the floor compared to 49.1% (27-55) by USC Upstate

 
OF NOTE

• Kenyon Giles missed his first game of the season due to a groin injury
• DaQuan Smith also did not start, but came off the bench. Truth Harris and Josiah Harris each got the starting nod instead
• Radford did not attempt a single free throw in the first half for the fourth time this season (also at #18 Clemson, at Longwood, at Winthrop)
• The Highlanders are now 0-6 this season when trailing at halftime

 
AROUND THE BIG SOUTH
Charleston Southern 83, Longwood 77
UNC Asheville 82, Winthrop 78
Presbyterian at High Point – 7 p.m.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take full advantage of their second and final bye of the season before getting back on the road to face Presbyterian on Saturday, Feb. 10. The contest is slated for a 4:30 p.m. tip in Clinton, S.C. with all the action streaming 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' on Instagram or Radford Men's Basketball on Facebook.