Mens Basketball: Radford vs Virginia Tech 3PM ESPN3

Television/Internet
ESPN3 - Andrew Allegretta & Mack McCarthy

Radio
Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network - Bill Roth & Mike Burnop
Also available on Digital: Hokies Xtra & TuneIn

Both teams come into this New River matchup 4-3. Tech lost a disappointing game to Penn State, falling 61-58, missing a three pointer at the Buzzer. Radford comes in off a 57-46 win over Texas A&M Corpus Cristi. The records may be the same but the competition level has been quite different between these two teams.

Radford is led by two seniors, Guard R. J. Price(#10) and Forward Javonte Green(#2). Price comes in averaging 11.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, and 2.1 apg while Green packs a double double almost every game, averaging 13.1 ppg, 10 rpg, and 1 apg. These two are supported by Point Guard Rashun Davis(#5) who also averages 10 ppg, 2.3 rpg, and 3.4 apg. Beyond those three the Highlanders contributions drop off considerably.

The team comes in averaging 62 points per game so far this season, running a fairly up tempo style of offense created by playing a high pressure defense from all parts of the court, regularly employing a full court press. They utilize this defense to turn their opponents over 12 times per game, averaging almost 18 points off turnovers. This team could prove to be a difficult matchup for Tech as they rebound offensively very well and turn turnovers into points. These have been two of Tech's achilles heels this season. The other thing Radford does well is shoot free throws, so if the game comes down to the charity stripe, the edge by far goes to the Highlanders.

I anticipate that Tech will come in prepared for this game, possibly a little angry with the way they lost the last game and will likely outclass Radford in the early going. Expect Tech to build an early lead but Radford to climb back into the game by way of their post players creating foul problems for Tech's big men. I would expect this to be a two basket game at the half along the lines of 31-27 Tech leading. In the second half, I would expect to see Tech's young talent start to find their range again while being able to take the ball to the basket. Tech should win this game by about ten points. If Tech is unable to break Radford's press defense late in the game it could be significantly closer, which doesnt bode well for the Hokies with how poorly they have been doing at the foul line.

Final Score: Tech 67 - Radford 59