December 15, 2001

Bryant Matthews scored a team-high 18 points as the Hokies gradually pulled away in the second half to down Radford 63-56 in front of 4,746 fans at Cassell Coliseum.

With the win, Tech snapped a three-game losing streak and avenged a loss at home to Radford two years ago. The Highlanders fell to 4-7 on the season.

Tech trailed by three at halftime, but regained the lead behind Matthews, who scored 10 of his 18 in the second half. Matthews' two free throws with 13:22 left in the game gave the Hokies the lead for good.

Joe Hamilton added 16 points for Tech, which shot just 32.4 percent from the floor, but outrebounded Radford 44-40 - including 20 offensive rebounds - and forced 17 turnovers. In contrast, Tech committed just 11 turnovers after averaging more than 23 coming into the game.

"We protected the ball and I thought that was a key stat," Tech head coach Ricky Stokes said. "We didn't shoot the ball well, but we didn't throw away possessions by turning it over and we found a way to win at the end."

Radford was led by Raymond Arrington, who scored a game-high 19. Andrey Savtchenko added 14 points and four blocks for Radford, which finished with 12 blocked shots on the evening.

The Hokies do not take to the court again for the next 12 days as the players prepare for final exams and Christmas break. Tech's next game is Dec. 27 in Tallahassee, Fla., against Florida State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.