FAIRLAWN, Va. (Interstat) — The Radford Highlanders used a dominant first quarter and a significant advantage in the paint to cruise past the Niagara Purple Eagles 80-58 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the D.N. Dedmon Center.

Radford seized control from the opening tip, outscoring Niagara 25-19 in the first period and never relinquishing the lead. The Highlanders’ offense was efficient, scoring 80 points on 81 possessions for an offensive rating of 98.5, while Niagara managed just 58 points on 80 possessions, an offensive rating of 72.5. The victory improved Radford’s record to 4-3, while Niagara remained winless at 0-5.

Georgia Simonsen, a 6-foot-1 forward from Fairfax, Virginia, delivered a standout performance for the Highlanders, posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks in 27 minutes. Anaiah Jenkins of Odenton, Maryland, was a force inside, just missing a double-double with a game-high 17 points and nine rebounds. Joi Williams from Leesburg, Virginia, added 14 points and five rebounds for Radford.

Niagara was led by Talia Dial of El Mirage, Arizona, who scored 19 points. Kenedie Haruna of Montreal provided a spark off the bench with nine points in just nine minutes of play.

The Highlanders established their dominance close to the basket, outscoring the Purple Eagles 44-26 in the paint and capitalizing on second chances with 15 offensive rebounds to Niagara’s six. Radford also capitalized on Niagara’s mistakes, scoring 28 points off 22 Purple Eagles turnovers.

Despite committing 24 turnovers of their own, Radford’s defense was disruptive, recording 19 steals. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Niagara shooting 4 for 22 and Radford going 4 for 16. The difference came at the free-throw line, where the Highlanders made 24 of 32 attempts, while Niagara connected on 14 of 19.

Radford built a 40-30 lead by halftime and extended it with a 23-point third quarter. The Highlanders’ lead proved insurmountable as they closed out the game, outscoring Niagara 17-14 in the final period.

The announced attendance was 1,078.