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.