UNCG Women’s basketball Edges Radford, 63-60
RADFORD, Va. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women’s basketball team claimed a 63-60 back-and-forth battle over Radford on Saturday in the Dedmon Center.
Saturday’s game saw a total of eight tied scores and 18 lead changes, with the majority of those coming in the second half.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Two consecutive layups from Radford’s Ashlyn Traylor-Walker put the Highlanders on the board first in the contest (4-0). Radford continued to maintain control for the remainder of the first frame to close it out on top, 17-10.
The Spartans found their stride in the second quarter. With the squad down 21-14, an 8-0 run, featuring three-pointers form Kelly Boyle and Kennedy Simpson, followed by a layup from Isys Grady, gave the Spartans their first lead of the game (22-21). Radford took the lead back with a layup from Taniya Hanner with 7:26 left on the clock. However, the Blue & Gold quickly responded with a three-pointer from Grady and another from Simpson to regain the lead (28-23) and hold it for the remainder of the half. A final layup from Grady put the Spartans up by five, 32-27 to head into the break.
UNCG continued to hold the lead in the early goings of the second half. However, with UNCG up 39-38, the Highlanders notched an 8-1 run to put them up (46-41) in the third frame. However, UNCG responded with a 7-1 run to regain the lead (48-46). The remainder of the game would continue to go back-and-forth between both teams with several lead changes.
With the game tied at 60, both teams went into a timeout with 17 seconds remaining in regulation with the Spartans due up for possession. Ayanna Khalfani was able drive through the paint, making a layup, putting the Spartans up (62-60). With only six seconds remaining in the game, there was little time for the Highlanders to answer. A Radford turnover followed by a quick foul, drew by Grady, put the Spartans at the free-throw line. Grady went 1-1 to allow the Spartans to finish on top, 63-60.
BY THE NUMBERS
Three Spartans scored in double-figures.
Khalfini led the way with 13 points, while Nia Howard and Jayde Gamble paced the Spartans with 10 points apiece.
Khalfani and Khalis Cain landed on top with eight rebounds apiece.
Khalfani led the way with six assists.
Cain posted two blocks.
The Spartans were 8-19 from behind the arc at 41.1 percent in three-point shooting.
Both teams were very evenly matched in the game, with UNCG going 23-55 in field goals to Radford’s 23-55.
RECORDS
UNCG: 3-1
Radford: 2-3
UP NEXT
The Spartans will continue their time in Virginia by taking on No. 9 Virginia Tech on Monday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Cassell Coliseum.
Courtesy of Emma White
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro