Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501260041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
But that certainly appeared to be the case for Coastal Carolina's KeKe Hicks on Saturday night in a 88-84 loss to Radford University at the Dedmon Center.
Although the Chanticleers' scoring factory of a guard contributed 26 points, three of those came on a virtually meaningless shot with four seconds left and 12 more points had to be earned at the free-throw line.
It wasn't enough to offset four double-figure scorers and a lot of Highlanders defense in the Big South Conference game.
``We knew what was going to happen when a team has a week to prepare for us,'' said Coastal coach Michael Hopkins, referring to Radford's layoff since a 64-52 loss at Liberty on Jan.14. ``There's no secret what we're going to try to do.''
Phillip Richards forced the last of four second-half ties when he swooped in for a layup with 5 minutes, 18 seconds left, but Radford (9-6 overall, 3-3 Big South) countered with an Antoine Dalton dunk seven seconds later and the Highlanders never relinquished the lead.
From that point, Radford made 10 of its last 11 free throws, including the completion of a three-point play by freshman Kevin Robinson with 20 seconds left that made the score 84-80.
Matthew Walker turned over the ball on a walk on the Chanticleers' next possession. Anthony Walker of Radford then offset four points by Hicks in the last 10 seconds by making all four of his free throws during the same stretch as Radford held on for the victory.
It was quite a free-throw shooting show by the opposing guards, with Hicks going 12-for-13 from the line and Walker 10-for-11. Coastal (5-9, 3-3) made 29 of 38 free throws and Radford 26 of 34 as the teams were whistled for 54 fouls - 30 of those in the second half.
``Coastal set the tone early with some very physical play,'' said Ron Bradley, the Highlanders' coach. ``They have an athletic team. The officials had to call it.''
Nobody had to tell Hicks anything about the less-than-gentle play. His every move was monitored by a group led by Radford guard Jason Lansdown and including Shane Weddle and forward Chris Harvey. Hicks was held to 6-for-15 shooting from the floor, including 2-for-6 from beyond the 3-point arc.
``They played me the same way everybody does,'' he said. ``The game plan was to contain me. They were switching on the screens very well. Sometimes my guy and the guy who was supposed to switch stayed on me together so that I was double-teamed.''
Hicks made only two of seven shots from the field in the second half. By that time, Lansdown was simmering down offensively after scoring 16 points in the first half.
``I got so pumped up on defense that it motivated me on offense,'' Lansdown said.
He finished with 24 points, and Radford also got welcome contributions from Robinson (12 points, seven rebounds) and Dalton (17 points, five rebounds) to go with Walker's 29 points.
``Walker is the kind of player who just makes things happen with the ball,'' Hopkins said.
Coastal was pounding Radford inside with Maurice Ingram (22 points, 13 rebounds) and Larry Johnican (12 points, six rebounds). Both Radford's Dalton and Eric Parker fouled out trying to defend the low post.
Hopkins was pleased with the inside play, while wishing for more of the same in the future from his Chanticleers.
``Hopefully some of our other post guys will step up for us,'' he said.
by CNB