Preview: Radford Looks to Rebound Against Struggling Gardner-Webb

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Radford Highlanders will aim to get back to .500 in Big South Conference play when they visit the struggling Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Wednesday night at Paul Porter Arena.

Radford (9-9) enters the matchup seeking to bounce back from a 91-72 home loss to UNC Asheville on Saturday. The Highlanders had won four of their previous five games before that defeat, including an 80-61 conference victory over Presbyterian on Jan. 7.

Gardner-Webb (2-16) has lost five straight, most recently a 104-49 road defeat at High Point on Jan. 7. The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ only wins this season came against non-Division I Toccoa Falls and Division III Brevard.

A key matchup will feature Radford’s Dennis Parker against Gardner-Webb’s DJ Jefferson. Parker, a consistent scoring force, is averaging 22.3 points over his last six games. He recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Asheville. Jefferson is coming off a 20-point performance at High Point but has been inconsistent, scoring in single digits in two of his last five outings.

Radford’s offense, which topped 95 points in three December wins, will test a Gardner-Webb defense that has allowed an average of 90.4 points during its current losing skid. The Highlanders have shown balance, with Tyson Brown (10 rebounds vs. Asheville) and Del Jones providing support.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs have struggled to find consistent scoring beyond Jefferson. Jacob Hogarth (11 points vs. High Point) and Colin Hawkins will need to contribute heavily to keep pace.

Historically, this series has been competitive, adding intrigue despite the teams’ divergent trajectories this season. Radford will look to establish its inside game early, while Gardner-Webb desperately needs a conference win to build momentum.

Wednesday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They are scheduled to play again in Radford, Virginia, on Feb. 19.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.