NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and a relentless offensive pace, the Radford Highlanders avenged an earlier conference loss by pulling away from the Charleston Southern Buccaneers for a 92-78 victory in a Big South women’s basketball matchup Saturday at CSU Field House.

The most important part of the game arrived late in the second quarter, when Radford transformed a narrow contest into a commanding lead it would never relinquish. Leading 33-31 with just over three minutes remaining in the half, the Highlanders unleashed a decisive 12-0 surge to close the quarter. The run was fueled by stifling defense and opportunistic scoring. It began with a Cate Carlson steal that led to a fast-break layup, and included contributions from Joi Williams and Kirah Dandridge. The burst culminated in another Carlson steal and score just before the halftime buzzer, sending Radford into the locker room with a 49-31 advantage and all the momentum.

The Highlanders maintained control throughout the second half, weathering every push from the Buccaneers. Charleston Southern, led by Caelan Ellis’s 23 points, cut the deficit to 13 points on several occasions in the fourth quarter but could not draw closer. Radford’s efficient offense and advantage in key hustle categories proved too much to overcome.

Radford improved to 18-11 overall, while Charleston Southern fell to 8-19.

Joi Williams led all scorers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and five assists for the Highlanders. Kirah Dandridge, named the top star for Radford, contributed 17 points and five rebounds, continuing her strong recent form. Georgia Simonsen added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Cate Carlson filled the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

For Charleston Southern, Ellis’s 23 points came on efficient shooting, and Tyonna Bailey recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Thelma Barbitch added 14 points off the bench.

The game was a stark contrast in offensive execution and ball security. Radford shot 50.7% from the field and committed only nine turnovers, which they converted into 18 points. Charleston Southern, despite shooting a respectable 46.7% and making 12 three-pointers, was undone by 15 turnovers that led directly to just seven points for the Buccaneers. Radford also dominated points in the paint, 42-26, and dished out more than twice as many assists, nine to four.

The victory avenged a 63-59 home loss to Charleston Southern back on Jan. 3. Since that defeat, Radford has won eight of its last 12 conference games.

Radford set the tone early with a high-scoring first quarter, taking a 23-22 lead. The second-quarter closing run, however, established the separation that defined the remainder of the contest. The Highlanders’ offensive rating of 121.8 points per 100 possessions underscored their efficient afternoon, while their defense held the Buccaneers to a 103.8 rating.

Attendance was 278 at the CSU Field House.

Radford next hosts Presbyterian on Wednesday. Charleston Southern travels to face Longwood, also on Wednesday.