Preview: Longwood Looks to Rebound Against Radford in Big South Clash

FAIRLAWN, Va. (Interstat) — The Longwood Lancers aim to bounce back from a rare conference loss when they visit the Radford Highlanders in a Big South women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the D.N. Dedmon Center.

Longwood (13-5 overall) saw a five-game winning streak snapped in a 68-54 home loss to High Point on Saturday. Prior to that, the Lancers’ offense had been potent, averaging 88 points per game during their streak, including a 100-point outburst against Winthrop.

The Lancers will lean on guard Malea Brown, who has been a consistent force. Over her last five games, Brown is averaging 14.2 points and 4.6 assists, including a pair of 21-point performances. She tallied eight points and seven assists in the loss to High Point.

Radford (11-9) enters on a two-game win streak following a 67-65 road victory at Winthrop. Guard Joi Williams led the way with 16 points and five assists in that contest and is averaging 13.2 points over her last five games. The Highlanders’ defense has been stout at home in conference play, holding Gardner-Webb to just 38 points in a win last week.

This game features a contrast in recent trajectories. Longwood seeks to regain its early-January form, while Radford looks to build momentum and improve its conference standing. The Highlanders will need to contain a Lancer offense that, despite its last outing, has proven explosive.

The matchup is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams this season. They will meet again in Farmville on Feb. 4.

Wednesday’s winner will gain an early advantage in the conference standings as the Big South schedule nears its midpoint. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.