Radford defeats SC Upstate 69-76

Radford Edges SC Upstate Behind Balanced Attack, Wins Conference Showdown

The G.B. Hodge Center was the stage for an intense conference showdown between Radford and SC Upstate, with the away team emerging victorious in a 76-69 decision on New Year's Eve.

Radford's balanced attack proved too much for SC Upstate to handle, as the visitors' high-powered offense outscored their hosts 37-30 in the first half. The Spartans maintained their lead throughout the game, never trailing by more than seven points at any point.

Dennis Parker Jr. led Radford with a strong all-around performance, scoring 24 points on 3-5 three-point shooting and 57.1% field goal percentage. Tyson Brown chipped in with 11 rebounds and eight points off the bench, while Jaylon Johnson contributed three assists to anchor the team's offense.

In contrast, SC Upstate struggled to find its rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. Carmelo Adkins led the Spartans in scoring and rebounding, but his team's overall shooting efficiency was hindered by 28.0% three-point shooting. Mason Bendinger added three assists to help spark the offense.

The game saw several key moments that showcased the strengths of each team. Radford's bench played a crucial role in the win, outscoring SC Upstate's reserves 15-9 on fast break points. Meanwhile, SC Upstate struggled with turnovers, committing 14 miscues compared to Radford's 11.

Advanced statistics further highlighted the disparity between the two teams. Radford's true shooting percentage of 55.4% and four-factor efficiency rate of 50.9% were significant contributors to their victory, while SC Upstate's eFG% of 43.2% and FT Rate of 24.2% reflected its struggles on offense.

The win marks a crucial conference statement for Radford, which will look to build momentum heading into the remainder of the season. For SC Upstate, this loss serves as a setback in the midst of a challenging stretch of schedule.