Radford, Va. -- Despite jumping out to a 10-0 lead and having three players post double figures, Radford was upended by Virginia Commonwealth (2-1), 69-56, in its home opener this evening from the Dedmon Center. Jesse Brunjak’s (Ooletwah, Tenn.) career and game high 20 points was not enough as the Highlanders fell to 0-3 on the season. The Rams also had three players in double figures led by Lauren Hogen’s 15 point, 11 rebound double double.
Also in double figures for Radford were senior Taryn Causey (Collierville, Tenn.) and freshman Serena White (Raleigh, N.C.) with 14 and 10 points respectively, while Vera Chistova’s 13 points and Brittany Pinkney’s 11 paced VCU.
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The Highlanders jumped out to a 10-0 lead 3:48 into the game behind five points each from Brunjak and White. VCU used a 13-2 run, sparked by six points from Chistova, over the next 6:03 to cut the lead to one at the halfway mark of the first half. After the teams traded a few buckets, the Rams went on a 12-4 spurt to take a 26-19 lead with 3:37 to go.
Radford was able to get within three (31-28) at the half, scoring six of the final eight points before the break. Chistova led the Rams with nine points with White and Brunjak pacing the Highlanders with 10 and nine points respectively.
Early in the second half, the teams traded early baskets but Radford was unable to get the deficit under three points the rest of the way. VCU pushed its advantage nine points (49-40) at the 13 minute mark after a jumper and a three pointer by Lakea Jones.
The Highlanders made one last push, cutting it to 49-44 on a pair of jumpers from Brunjak, but VCU answered on a layup by Pinkney and two free throws from Meagan Evans to regain its nine-point lead. The Rams eventually were able to post a double digit lead (57-47) with 4:50 left and cruised to the 13-point win.
The Rams shot 52 percent in the second half and 45.3 percent for the game. RU shot just 36 percent for the game. It was a sloppy game as well with the teams combining for 49 turnovers and committing 42 fouls. VCU had 15 steals and scored 20 points of those turnovers, while the Highlander had 11 steals and put 25 points on the board after a Ram mistake.
The Highlanders head to Easton, Pa. on Thursday for a matchup with Lafayette at 7 p.m.
