Smith scores 25, Radford edges Winthrop 67-66

RADFORD, Va. (AP) — Jareal Smith scored a career-high 25 points and Radford held off Winthrop 67-66 on Tuesday night to snap a six-game losing streak and split the season series.

After losing an 11-point cushion, the Highlanders (5-17, 2-10 Big South Conference) were ahead 67-65 when the Eagles’ Reggie Middleton went to the line for three free throws with 9 seconds left.

Middleton made only the first one. Winthrop’s Charles Corbin rebounded the final shot, but missed a 17-footer and Smith grabbed the rebound.

The Eagles (9-12, 5-6) had trailed 44-33 when Matt Morgan’s layup at the 14:11 mark — Winthrop’s first field goal of the second half — sparked a 20-7 run resulting in a 53-51 lead with 5:55 left.

Smith then hit a 3-pointer and Evan Faulkner made back-to-back 3s to give Radford the lead for good.

Middleton had 14 to lead the Eagles, who won the first meeting 74-58 on Jan. 20.