RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women’s basketball program will conclude the nonconference portion of their schedule when they head to face Clemson this Tuesday, December 20th, at 1 p.m.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Clemson (ACC)
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 20th at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Littlejohn Coliseum (Clemson, S.C.)
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SERIES HISTORY
This will be the seventh-ever meeting between the two programs with matches dating all the way back to 1988. Clemson owns the 6-0 lead in the historical series, but the last time these two teams met it came down to the wire.
In head coach Mike McGuire‘s first season at the helm of the program, he took the Highlanders into enemy territory and just missed picking up his first power victory. Radford fell in a final score 41-39 led by nine points from Ayana Avery and Breshara Gordon. The Highlanders enforced a whopping 23 turnovers by the Tigers creating 12 points off those turnovers.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Clemson has accumulated a strong 8-4 record to open the 2022-23 campaign and is an undefeated 2-0 against Big South opponents with wins over Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern. The Tigers as a team are shooting a hot 42% so far this season but have struggled turning the ball over an average of 17 times a game.
Amari Robinson and Ruby Whitehorn lead the offensive efforts for the Tigers with both averaging double figure points this season as well as leading the team in rebounds per game. Keeping the Robinson/Whitehorn duo at bay as well as forcing turnovers will be key in the Highlanders’ success tomorrow.
BLAKE CONTINUES TO FLOURISH IN NEW ROLE
Sophomore Vanessa Blake got the starting nod once again Sunday at Furman playing a pivotal role in Radford’s comeback attempt that forced overtime. Blake led the Highlanders in points for the third time this season and for the second straight game finishing the day with 15. Her two most important points came in the closing seconds, as she drew an and-one opportunity to tie with Furman and force the overtime period.
ANOTHER DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Senior leader Rachel LaLone picked up her fourth double-double of her career Sunday against Furman, recording an even 12 points and 12 rebounds in a strong effort. 11 of those rebounds alone came on the defensive end, and the Highlanders’ experienced leader was a calming force at the free throw line going a perfect six-for-six on the day. LaLonde also finished with season-highs in assists (three) and blocks (two).
FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford women’s basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @Radford_WBB on Twitter, ‘radford_wbb’ Instagram or Radford Women’s Basketball on Facebook.
