FAIRLAWN, Va. (Interstat) — A dominant first-half offensive display by Radford proved too much for a struggling Gardner-Webb squad to overcome as the Highlanders secured an 82-70 victory in a Big South Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at the D.N. Dedmon Center.

Radford, improving to 15-13 overall, seized control early with a blistering shooting performance in the opening period, building a 48-34 halftime lead that Gardner-Webb could never seriously threaten. The Runnin’ Bulldogs, who fell to 3-26, have now lost eight consecutive games.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the first half’s middle segment, where Radford transformed a narrow 12-9 edge into a commanding double-digit advantage. Sparked by the backcourt duo of Dennis Parker and Brennan Rigsby, the Highlanders unleashed a 23-8 run over a seven-minute span that effectively decided the contest.

Parker, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Richmond, Virginia, was the catalyst, scoring 11 points during the decisive surge. His personal 8-0 run, capped by consecutive three-pointers, pushed Radford’s lead to 20-9. The Highlanders’ ball movement was exceptional, with Rigsby assisting on three consecutive baskets during the run, including a Lukas Walls three-pointer and a Del Jones layup.

Gardner-Webb, plagued by turnovers and an inability to string together defensive stops, saw the deficit balloon to 37-19 after a Tyson Brown tip-in with just over five minutes remaining in the half. The Runnin’ Bulldogs shot a respectable 34 first-half points but were simply outgunned by a Radford offense that operated with efficiency and pace, scoring 48 points before the break.

The second half saw Gardner-Webb show more fight, outscoring Radford 36-34, but the Highlanders always maintained a comfortable cushion, never allowing the lead to dip below 12 points. Every time the visitors made a minor push, Radford answered, often through Parker or the steady play of Jones.

Parker finished as the game’s high scorer with 22 points in just 25 minutes, showcasing an efficient offensive repertoire. Jones, a 6-3 guard from Arlington, Virginia, added 14 points and four assists, while Rigsby orchestrated the offense with 10 points and a game-high five assists. Walls and Louie Jordan of Leicester, England, each contributed 10 points for a balanced Highlander attack that saw five players reach double figures.

Gardner-Webb was led by Jacob Hudson, a 6-2 guard from Houston, who scored 16 points. Jacob Hogarth, a 6-9 forward from Brooklyn, New York, posted 12 points, and Colin Hawkins of Colorado Springs, Colorado, added 10. Reserve Curtis Williams provided a second-half spark off the bench, scoring all 10 of his points after halftime, including an athletic dunk in transition.

Radford’s defense was also a key factor, forcing 18 Gardner-Webb turnovers and converting them into 22 points. Ace Talbert was a bright spot defensively for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, recording four steals.

The game unfolded as expected by oddsmakers, with Radford covering the pregame spread as a heavy favorite. The total score of 152 fell well under the projected over/under line.

An announced crowd of 953 watched as Radford completed a regular-season sweep of Gardner-Webb, having also won the previous meeting 89-80 on Jan. 14. The Highlanders will look to build on the win as they travel to face UNC Asheville on Saturday. Gardner-Webb, mired in a difficult season, returns home to host UNC Asheville next Thursday, still in search of its first conference victory.