UNC Asheville (9-15) Hosts Radford (16-10) Wednesday for Play 4 Kay

UNC Asheville hosted Radford at Kimmel Arena Wednesday, using its annual Play 4 Kay game to honor breast cancer survivors with "festivities throughout the game." The matchup carried conference significance as the Bulldogs (9-15, 4-7 Big South) welcomed the Highlanders (16-10, 8-3 Big South) for their first meeting in Big South play this season.

The game served a dual role in Asheville: a competitive conference contest and a public-facing health moment. UNC Asheville Athletics noted the Play 4 Kay focus, and the in-arena recognition created a visible platform for survivorship and community solidarity. For local residents, the event reinforced the connection between collegiate athletics and community health outreach, highlighting survivorship in a setting that draws families, students, and longtime fans to the arena.

On the court, the matchup offered clear statistical storylines. UNC Asheville entered the contest leading the Big South in rebounding, averaging 36.4 rebounds per game, and limiting opponents to a 35.8 percent field-goal rate. Nia Green provided a central offensive and paint presence for the Bulldogs; Green scored 20 points in a recent 72-60 loss at Longwood and led UNC Asheville with 7.1 rebounds per game, shooting 42.9 percent and averaging 17.2 points over the last 10 games. Guard Aileen Marquez supplied perimeter threat, averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers per game while scoring 8.8 points and shooting 31.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Radford’s profile emphasized defensive tolerance of threes and a balanced scoring attack. The Highlanders shot 37.6 percent as a team this season and entered with a 1-1 record in games decided by three points or fewer. Joi Williams paced Radford with a 39.5 percent season shooting mark and 13.1 points per game, and Georgia Simonsen had averaged 13.4 points over her last 10 games. Radford’s roster listing included Williams (#4), Simonsen (#23), Cate Carlson (#8), Kirah Dandridge (#5), Angelina Nice (#32) and Ellie Taylor (#33). Radford coach Mike McGuire’s program background was noted in conference materials, listing a career record of 205-182 in his 13th season.

This meeting followed earlier-season contact; Radford posted a 64-52 win over UNC Asheville on Jan. 22, a prior result that added urgency to the rematch. Home-court context also mattered: UNC Asheville entered the game 5-8 at Kimmel Arena this season. Coverage for the game was listed on the UNC Asheville release as available on ESPN+, with live stats, radio, tickets and gameday central resources for fans.

Beyond the scoreboard, the Play 4 Kay observance underscored wider public-health themes. Sporting events that center survivors elevate conversations about early detection, access to care and local support networks. For Buncombe County residents, the game offered both entertainment and a reminder of health services and advocacy efforts that intersect with everyday community life.

Looking ahead, the result will factor into Big South positioning for both programs and shape next steps for UNC Asheville and Radford as they push toward the conference postseason; for the community, the night reinforced the role college sports can play in honoring survivors and advancing local health awareness.