RADFORD, VA.- High Point men's basketball traveled to Radford for a weekend Big South contest but came up short 80-95 in the Dedmon Center. The Panthers were led by
Zack Austin with 26 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
Site: Dedmon Center
Score: High Point 80, Radford 95
Records: High Point (10-10,2-6) Radford (12-9,6-2)
Coach G.G. Smith: "We are very disappointed in the result today. Radford was the more physical and tougher team! We have to do a better job preparing for road games in this league. You can't give up 20 offensive rebounds and expect to win games. In the end we have to play better defensively and have some pride in stopping the ball. We have to put this behind us and get ready for a good Campbell team Wednesday."
Radford scored the first points on the day, before a tip-in from
Emmanuel Izunabor and a dart pass through the defenders from
Abdoulaye Thiam to
Bryant Randleman would tie the game early at four all.
The Highlanders tarried on two six-point leads through the first four minutes of play. Responding, a three-pointer from Thiam on the wing kept the Panthers within one at 13-14.
Bryson Childress knocked down to big three's down the stretch, securing his second three of the day at the under 10 mark to make it 25-28, Highlanders.
Radford remained steady in their offense and pushed to a 13-point lead after knocking down a three with seconds left to close the half.
The Highlanders used their first half momentum to extend their lead on the Panthers, making it hard for HPU to get stops on defense.
After going down by 17,
Ahmard Harvey kicked a pass out to
Justin Taylor for an open three after securing an offensive board, keeping the Panthers within 12.
With six minutes left to play, Radford took their largest lead of the game, 27, but High Point kept fighting.
Childress set Austin up for a knock down three at the top of the key with a kick-back pass, closing the gap to 11 with a minute left to play.
Unable to hit the final shots in the end, the Highlanders walked away with the 95-80 win over the Panthers.
UP NEXT: The Panthers return home for a Big South matchup with Campbell in the teams' first meeting this season. High Point will welcome the Fighting Camels to the Qubein Center on Wednesday, January 25
th for a 7:00 PM tip. During the game, the Panther coaching staff will be participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer week, wearing their suits and sneakers.
#GoHPU
