UNC Asheville defeats Radford 72-91
UNC Asheville Outlasts Radford 91-72 in Thrilling Conference Matchup
In a tightly contested conference game, UNC Asheville proved its mettle on the road, defeating Radford 91-72 at The Dedmon Center. The victory marked a significant win for the Bucs, as they improved their conference standing and demonstrated their ability to compete with top-tier teams.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets in the first half. UNC Asheville's Toyaz Solomon led the charge, scoring 12 points in the second stanza to put his team up by 9 at halftime (36-45). However, Radford refused to back down, as Dennis Parker Jr. responded with a personal 8-0 run to keep his team within striking distance.
The second half saw both teams continue to exchange blows, but UNC Asheville's offense began to click. Kameron Taylor led the charge, scoring 15 points in the final 10 minutes of play. The senior guard's hot shooting helped the Bucs build a comfortable lead, which they maintained until the end.
Radford's Parker Jr. was his team's lone bright spot, pouring in 24 points on 53.3% shooting from the field. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Bucs' balanced attack, which saw multiple players score in double figures.
Advanced Statistics
UNC Asheville's 91 points came at a cost, as they committed 13 turnovers and shot just 62.0% from the free throw line (18/29). The Bucs also struggled on defense, allowing Radford to shoot 41.5% from the field and grab 35 rebounds.
Radford's offense, meanwhile, was hindered by its inability to make shots beyond the arc (12.0%). The Highlanders were outrebounded 43-35 and committed 7 turnovers, which Radford capitalized on with 18 points off turnovers.
In a game that saw both teams exhibit flashes of brilliance, UNC Asheville's superior shooting efficiency and depth ultimately proved too much for Radford to handle.
Game Flow
The game was marked by several turning points, including the Bucs' 8-0 run early in the second half and Parker Jr.'s personal 8-0 spurt. However, it was the Bucs' ability to close out the game without giving up any significant leads that sealed the victory.
Key Performances
* Kameron Taylor (UNC Asheville): 27 points, 3-5 3PT, 50.0% FG
* Toyaz Solomon (UNC Asheville): 12 reb, 12 pts, 1 ast, 1 stl
* Dennis Parker Jr. (Radford): 24 pts, 10 reb, 0-5 3PT
With the win, UNC Asheville moves closer to its conference tournament aspirations and proves that it's a force to be reckoned with in the Big South Conference.