Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 9, 1994 TAG: 9401090110
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Radford University, a team the soothsayers had figured for the middle of the pack at best in Big South Conference men's basketball, looked like a team that had a better fate in mind after flattening highly regarded Towson State 82-58 at the Dedmon Center.
Not noted for its defensive prowess in recent years, Radford (7-3 overall, 1-1 in the conference) held Towson State (5-6, 0-1) to season-low 32.8 percent field-goal accuracy, limited the Tigers' scoring to their second-worst offensive output of the season and held guard Scooter Alexander to nine points - the first time in 40 games he has not scored in double figures.
"It's embarrassing," said Terry Truax, Towson State's coach. "It's really a shame, because what we did took away from a great game by Radford."
The Highlanders were shaking off a three-aspirin hangover caused by their 77-67 loss at North Carolina-Greensboro on Thursday.
"They just got after us," Radford's Don Burgess said of the UNC Greensboro Spartans. "That left a bad taste in everybody's mouth."
Similar to the one that will be gumming up the Tigers' jaws today.
"There was only one team out there tonight," Truax said. "And that was the one in white [Radford]."
Nine Highlanders scored, including center Tyrone Travis, who came off the bench with 16 points, six rebounds and four blocks, and Burgess with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Radford made 49 percent of its field-goal attempts, but more importantly, buried 30 of 36 free throws.
"Radford's guards were penetrating so well, all we could do was reach," Truax said.
Damian Ingram, another non-starter, nailed eight of 10 free throws. Antoine Dalton, yet another reserve, nailed seven of nine on the way to 11 points.
"I took it personally after all that was made of Scott Hartzel [of UNC Greensboro] in the paper," Ingram said. "Nobody was going to come in here and embarrass us."
Added Radford's Anthony Walker: "I think we have the best guards in the conference and I don't care what anybody says."
Towson had the backcourt reputation with Ralph Blalock and Alexander, but the duo certainly didn't live up to it. They were a combined 7-for-27 from the field for 17 points.
"I thought that Johhny Watkins' defense on Alexander was the key to the game," said Ron Bradley, the Highlanders' coach.
by CNB