RADFORD, Va. - The Gardner-Webb women's basketball team locked down its second consecutive spot in the win column this week in conference play, emerging victorious over Radford with a final score of 77-74.
 
"I'm very proud of our overall effort as a team," said head coach Alex Simmons. "We had multiple women step up for us. I thought Ki'Ari Cain did a great job of pushing the pace for us. We carried over things and adjustments that we worked on in practice and moved the ball in our offensive possessions."
 
Gardner-Webb (5-10, 3-1 Big South) shot 44.8% (30-for-67) in field-goal range, 20.0% (4-for-20) from beyond the arc, and 59.1% (13-for-2) from the free-throw line. GWU capitalized off of 44 points in the paint, 27 points off of turnovers, 19 bench points, 16 fast break points, and 12 second-chance points. 
 
Radford (4-9,0-2 Big South) shot 41.5% (27-for-65) from the floor, 46.2% (6-for-13) from three-point range, and 70.0% (14-20) at the line. The Highlanders managed to score 40 points in the paint, 30 bench points, and 10 second-chance points in today's matchup.
 
"We hit some adversity and allowed Radford to get to the free-throw line a little more than we would have liked but we got stops and finished possessions when we needed to," continued Simmons. "Alasia Smith and Jhessyka Williams have done a great job of being consistent and disciplined on the defensive end." 
 
Alasia Smith and Jhessyka Williams led the offensive efforts for the Runnin' Bulldogs with 19 points apiece. Williams (7-16 FG, 1-2 3PT, 4-6 FT) also grabbed eight rebounds under the net, along with a pair of two blocks and assists, with one steal. Smith (8-12 FG, 3-10 FT) snatched 14 boards, had six steals, and a single block and assist. Today was Smith's fourth consecutive double-double (sixth of the season, ninth of career) since opening conference play. 
 
"We have had some different lineups but I thought Emma Capps got us to a great start with her poise," continued Simmons in her postgame press conference. "I think our team should realize that any game, your number may be called so you have to make sure you have prepared yourself to be ready when that happens. Overall, Emma was ready." 
 
Sophomore Emma Capps started her fourth game of the season today on the Highlanders hardwood, scoring in double-digits she put up 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT) along with three rebounds and a single assist. 
 
Today was a big day for Coach Simmons as well, as the win over Radford marked her 50th career win as a head coach. Simmons is the third head coach in program history to reach this milestone.   
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs will be back in action on Tuesday, January 11 at home inside Paul Porter Arena as they are set to take on UNC Asheville. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the action will stream on ESPN+.
 
For the latest on Gardner-Webb Women's Basketball, follow @GWU_WBK on social media or visit GWUSports.com.