Radford's Del Jones stole the show at Paul Porter Arena, scoring 27 points to lead his team to a 89-80 victory over Gardner-Webb. The win marked a solid performance by the Highlanders, who never trailed in the second half. Jones' impressive outing was complemented by a strong showing from Gardner-Webb's DJ Jefferson, who poured in 21 points for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
The first half saw Radford come out strong, taking a 45-31 lead into the break. The Highlanders' offense was clicking, with Jones and Jaylon Johnson combining for 25 points in the opening period. Gardner-Webb, however, refused to back down, with Jefferson and Jacob Hogarth leading the charge. Hogarth's 18 points and 10 rebounds made him a force to be reckoned with, but it wasn't enough to overcome Radford's balanced attack.
In the second half, Radford continued to push the pace, with Dennis Parker Jr. chipping in 17 points and 11 rebounds to help seal the win. The Highlanders' 44 second-half points were enough to keep Gardner-Webb at bay, despite a late surge from the Runnin' Bulldogs. Colin Hawkins added 13 points for Gardner-Webb, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
The game was marked by strong individual performances, with Jones and Jefferson taking center stage. Jones' 27 points were a reflection of his skill and agility, while Jefferson's 21 points showed that he can hang with the best of them. The two players went toe-to-toe, with Jones ultimately emerging as the top scorer.
This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, which can make it challenging to build momentum for tournament consideration. However, Radford's win will still be a valuable addition to their resume, given their current net ranking of 264. For Gardner-Webb, the loss drops them to 3-19, making their tournament hopes increasingly slim.
As the season wears on, Radford want to build on this win and continue to climb the rankings. With a record of 11-11, they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender. However, with performances like Jones' 27-point outing, they have shown that they have the talent to compete with anyone. For Gardner-Webb, the focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for next season, as their current campaign continues to wind down.
The win for Radford is a significant boost to their resume, as they look to make a push for a postseason berth. While this game may not have had major tournament implications, it was an important step for the Highlanders as they strive to improve their standing. With their current net ranking and a win over a Quadrant 4 opponent, Radford want to use this momentum to drive their season forward and make a lasting impression on the college basketball landscape.