HPU WBB Panthers Fall at Radford, 80-51

RADFORD, VA. – The High Point University women’s basketball team fell at Radford, 80-56, on Tuesday (Jan. 8) night.

The Panthers dropped to 8-5 on the season and 1-1 in Big South play, while Radford improved to 8-5 overall and 2-0 in conference play. HPU forced Radford into 18 turnovers, while only committing 14. The Highlanders out-rebounded the High Point 48-38. HPU logged 10 assists and nine steals as a team.

“What changed in the second half,” head coach DeUnna Hendrix said. “I’m not sure. I’m still trying to figure it out. I didn’t like anything about our demeanor coming out. I felt like we were super individual today for whatever reason. We were not locked into the game plan.”

Senior Emma Bockrath led HPU with 22 points, which tied her season-high, and four assists. She also added eight rebounds and three steals. Senior Bria Gibson led the Purple & White in rebounds with nine and added eight points. Senior Shea Morgan added 15 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Panthers.

High Point trailed 25-31 in the third quarter before responding with a 14-0 run to take a 39-31 lead. The Highlanders responded with a 13-0 run of their own and took the lead back for good. Radford won the game 80-56.

Radford took an early 8-2 lead in the first quarter before HPU responded with an 8-0 run to take a 10-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Radford responded in the second quarter and the game went to halftime tied. High Point forced the Highlanders into 11 first half turnovers.

Sydney Nunley led Radford with 22 points and 20 rebounds.

Up next, the Panthers will welcome the Blue Hose of Presbyterian to the Millis Center on Thursday, Jan. 10, for their Big South home opener. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in the Millis Center.