SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging Radford women’s basketball team looks to continue its climb in the Big South Conference standings when it visits struggling South Carolina Upstate on Wednesday night at the G.B. Hodge Center.

The Highlanders (13-9, 5-2 Big South) have won four of their last five, including a 64-52 victory over UNC Asheville last Friday. They are led by standout guard Joi Williams, who is averaging 18.4 points per game over her last seven contests. Williams scored 21 points in the win over Asheville and has topped 20 points in three of her last four games.

Radford’s recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents to 52.8 points per game during its current three-game win streak. Ellie Taylor and Georgia Simonsen provide additional scoring support alongside Williams.

The host Spartans (6-15, 1-6) are mired in a difficult season, having lost six of their last seven games. Their lone conference win was a 58-38 decision over Presbyterian on Jan. 14. Aijah Palmore anchors the frontcourt for Upstate, coming off an 11-rebound performance in a 74-50 loss at Longwood last Friday. Palmore recorded a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double against Charleston Southern on Dec. 31, highlighting her potential impact.

South Carolina Upstate has struggled offensively, failing to reach 60 points in five of its seven conference games. Containing Williams and generating consistent scoring will be critical challenges for the Spartans against a Radford team allowing just 60.1 points per game this season.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the teams this season. They are slated to meet again in Radford, Virginia, on Feb. 18.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday in Spartanburg.