CLEMSON, S.C. – The Radford women’s basketball program fell in a tough final Tuesday afternoon 81-38 to a strong Clemson squad to close out nonconference play.
The Clemson Tigers got off to a hot start, not missing from deep for six straight shots and opening the game up with a 26-9 lead in the first quarter. Radford responded with nine points in the final four minutes after a cold start with reigning freshman of the week Maci Rhoades starting the scoring with a three.
Radford played better in the second quarter, getting the offense going for 12 points and only being outscored by seven to trail 45-21 at the half. Rachel LaLonde hunkered down and totaled six points in the quarter with Rhoades, Ashlyn Traylor and Ashley Panem also adding baskets in the effort.
The defense tightened up and played better in the second half, holding the Tigers to 36 points, and keeping the opponent scoreless through the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. Traylor boosted her point total with five points over the final 20 minutes while Olivia Wagner hit a three-pointer to finish the day with four points.
Overall in the game Rhoades and LaLonde led the team in scoring with eight points apiece. Rhoades and Wagner also collected three assists. Traylor battled through a tough shooting day to still put seven points and five rebounds to her name as well.
RHOADES DOESN’T MISS A BEAT
Rhoades didn’t miss a beat in today’s meeting tying for the team lead with another eight points thanks to a duo of three-pointers. Rhoades also became the first player this season, and first player in over a year, to record five or more steals in a game. Coming off earning Big South freshman of the week yesterday, Rhoades has done well with an increase in workload over the last three games.
SIGHTS SET ON BIG SOUTH PLAY
Radford has concluded its 2022-23 nonconference slate and is now turning their focus towards what is sure to be another exciting season of Big South matches. The next page of the 2022-23 season begins against UNC Asheville in the Dedmon Center as the preseason poll fourth and fifth teams clash on December 29th. That weekend also sees a New Years Eve battle on the road at Presbyterian on December 31st.
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