Jan. 3, 2008

Final Stats

Radford, Va. - Despite a game-high 14 points and seven rebounds from sophomore Courtney Hawkins (Greer, S.C./Greer), the USC Upstate women's basketball team couldn't overcome 31 turnovers, as Radford posted a 76-34 win in non-conference action at the Dedmon Center on Thursday night.

The Spartans also got strong performances from several role players, with junior Cherale Powell (Wilkesboro, N.C./Wilkes C.C.) posting a career-high eight points to go with three rebounds. Junior Kelly Westfield (St. Peterburg, Fla./St. Petersburg College) posted a career-high seven rebounds and tied a career-high with six points.

"We didn't take care of the ball (Thursday)" Upstate head coach Tammy George said, "and because of that, Radford was able to take advantage and get ahead. We weren't able to get out of that hole."

Radford jumped out in the first half, growing the lead to as many as 22 points with 1:31 left in the half after a 3-pointer from Corrie Fertitta. The Highlanders used the 3-point shot to its advantage, nailing five 3-pointers in the half, including three from Johnette Walker. The Spartans, meanwhile, struggled, missing all five attempts from 3-point land. The Spartans were also forced into 17 turnovers in the half.

Walker led the Highlanders with 11 points in the half and Hawkins led the Spartans, posting nine points in the first half.

The Highlanders continued their solid play in the second half, outscoring the Spartans, 35-15. Ciara Hayes scored eight points to lead Radford in the half.

The Spartans struggled shooting just 24 percent from the field during the game, while Radford shot 38 percent. The Highlanders also had the advantage on the free-throw line, shooting 23-for-39 at the charity stripe, while the Spartans hit 9 of their 14 attempts.

Leading for the Highlanders was Walker, who finished with 14 points and Taleia Moten, who added 11 points and four rebounds. Corrie Fertitta posted eight points and seven boards and Kelli Darden added nine points and seven rebounds.

Upstate will hit the midpoint of a three-game road swing on Saturday when it opens its first Atlantic Sun Conference schedule with a 1:30 p.m. game with East Tennessee State.

Notes
The Spartans are 1-6 all-time on games on Jan. 3.

Upstate is currently 7-7 all-time against teams from Virginia and 1-2 all-time in Virginia.

The last time USC Upstate traveled to Virginia was in 1990, a 85-65 win over Longwood on Nov. 27.

Junior Kelly Westfield hit a career-high four free throws, surpassing her previous best of two set at Georgia Tech on Dec. 6.

Juniors Kelly Westfield and Cherale Powell and freshman Kelly Westfield each blocked the first shots of their careers as Spartans.

Freshman Tara Tranum finished with a career-high three rebounds.

Junior Courtney Bradley is two assists shy of passing Marlene Riley (1984-88) for fourth in school history with 309 career helpers. Her one assist during the game was a season low.

Freshman Kasey Thompson became the first Spartan to foul out of a game in the Division I era, doing so with 10:12 left in the game. Freshman Tara Tranum also fouled out of the game.