Radford Highlanders (18-13) vs Winthrop Eagles (15-16)
Game Info: Friday, March 3, 2023 at 8:00 pm (Bojangles Coliseum)
Betting Odds: Radford Highlanders -1.5 -- Over/Under: 142.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Winthrop Eagles and the Radford Highlanders will meet in Charlotte to face off in the quarterfinals of the Big South Championship at the Bojangles Coliseum. Radford leads the all-time series, 43-39, after sweeping Winthrop this season.
Winthrop finished at 15-16 after beating High Point in Rock Hill. The Eagles held onto a slim halftime margin to beat the Panthers by six points, 84-78. Winthrop is scoring 73.9 points per game, while allowing 74.3 ppg, and shooting 47.0% from the field.
Winthrop ended the season strong by winning their last four games, and they come into this second round matchup with a bit of momentum. The Eagles carry a well put together lineup, carrying five double digit scorers. Junior forward Kelton Talford has scored 20 or more in three of the last five games, and he leads the team in scoring (16.1) and rebounding (8.0). Senior forward Cory Hightower scored a team-high 25 points in the win over HPU, and he’s up to 13.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg. Third-year guard Sin’Cere McMahon scored 22 points against Campbell last week, and he’s scoring an identical 13.7 ppg.
Radford closed at 18-13 following a home win over Campbell. The Highlanders held off a late rally from the Fighting Camels to escape with the two-point win, 67-65. Radford is scoring 69.4 points per game, while allowing 64.5 ppg, and shooting 45.9% from the field.
Radford faded towards the end of February, but they’ll look to defeat Winthrop for a third time this season here. The Highlanders play a collective brand of basketball, and they’re led by a handful of newcomers. Former Murray State guard Daquan Smith scored 24 points in the home win over Winthrop, and he leads RU in scoring (13.5). Sophomore forward Justin Archer grabbed 14 boards in the win over Campbell, and he leads the team in rebounding (7.0), while scoring 7.9 ppg.
Winthrop is 13-15-1 against the spread this season, with a 16-12-1 over/under record. Radford is 15-13-1 ATS this year, with a 14-15 o/u record.
Winthrop comes into this game with the motive and momentum to upset Radford here. The Eagles are the stronger offensive team, and playing in their backyard of Charlotte should bode in their favor. The Highlanders may have their hands full with a veteran bunch of Eagles looking to avoid a third loss to them. The margin has come down since it’s opened, and in what has essentially become a pick ‘em spot, roll with Winthrop in this quarterfinal matchup.
Corey’s Pick Winthrop ML
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
