Big South Opening Round: Radford Escapes Presbyterian's Upset Bid

Radford coach Mike Jones came into this year's Big South Tournament looking for his first win in the postseason. He got it today, but not without some tense moments.

The Highlanders lead Presbyterian at the half 33-27 and looked like they were going to blowout the Blue Hose with a 15-4 run in the second half. Instead the sixth seeded Blue Hose put together a furious upset bid and fell just short 78-73 to the third seeded Highlanders.

Big South First Teamer Javonte Green lead the Highlanders with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Ya Ya Anderson finished with 18 and R.J. Price added 15 for Radford. Presbyterian was paced by another outstanding performance from Davidson transfer Jordan Downing, who posted 32 points in the loss today.

Radford now moves on to take on the second seed from the South Division UNC Asheville. Radford took down the Bulldogs earlier this year at home 102-92 in a game in which Asheville's Andrew Rowsey dropped 42 points on the Highlanders. The quarterfinals tip off will be roughly 30 minutes after the conclusion of the noon game on Friday.