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Radford University Athletics

Home Of The RadFord Highlanders RadFord Highlanders
JaylonJohnson
Ethan Neal
72
Radford Rad 2-6,0-0 Big South
89
Winner SMU SMU 7-0,0-0 ACC
Radford Rad
2-6,0-0 Big South
72
Final
89
SMU SMU
7-0,0-0 ACC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Radford Rad 38 34 72
SMU SMU 46 43 89

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Strong First Half Not Enough as Radford Falls at SMU

DALLAS, Texas – The Radford men's basketball program had a strong start to Monday night's game at SMU, but a lopsided start to the second half saw the game end in an 89-72 final in the Mustangs' favor.
 
KEY STATS
  • Dennis Parker Jr. led the scoring with 18 points, his eighth straight game with 10+ points to open the season.
  • Radford's bench played a large role in the contest, scoring 34 of the team's 72 points.
  • Close to home, Jaylon Johnson was able to get back into double figures scoring behind four made threes.
  • Radford won the turnover battle, especially in the first half, but wound up in a close 19-16 margin for points off turnovers by the game's end.
 
PLAY BY PLAY
Radford's offense would get off to a slow start in the meeting but rebounded well to close the first half and keep things close. SMU jumped out to a 15-3 lead, but Radford got a 9-0 run behind threes from Del Jones and Louie Jordan to tighten the score. The Highlanders would go shot for shot with the Mustangs from there as shots landed from all over.
 
In one minute of play, Radford and SMU combined for five straight makes from deep. Jaylon Johnson and Dennis Parker Jr. had two of those hits as Radford trailed just 27-30. Another 5-0 run capped by an and-one by Brennan Rigsby Jr. had Radford as close as 32-33.
 
SMU would end the half shooting hot, but two three-pointers from Johnson kept the score within reach at 46-38. Out of the halftime break, though, Radford fell victim to a flurry of turnovers that would allow the hosts to sprint ahead. SMU opened the second half on a 16-3 run, immediately boosting their lead to 62-41.
 
Through a cold spell by SMU, Radford was able to pull back behind a 9-0 run with two layups from Parker Jr. and a three from Jones forcing an SMU timeout. Trailing 69-55, Radford inched closer with a layup from Rigsby Jr. and an and-one from Jones to make it an 11-point game.
 
The shots would continue to fall more frequently for the Highlanders, but the tough start to the second half proved pivotal. SMU was able to hold on until the final horn, taking the game 89-72.
 
UP NEXT
After breaking for Thanksgiving, the Highlanders will return home this upcoming weekend to close out their November schedule. This Saturday, November 29th, Radford hosts Notre Dame (MD) for a 2:30 tip on ESPN+.

STAY SOCIAL WITH RADFORD MEN'S BASKETBALL
For all the latest on Radford Men's Basketball, be sure to follow the team on X (@RadfordHoops), Instagram (@radfordhoops), and "like" the team's official Facebook Page (Radford Men's Basketball).
 
#RiseAndDefend
 
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