RADFORD, Va. (AP)—Artsiom Parakhouski’s 24 points and a second-half spurt helped top-seeded Radford defeat High Point 82-58 Tuesday night in the first round of the Big South Tournament.
Kenny Thomas added 19 points for the Highlanders (19-11), who snapped a six-game tournament losing streak and made the semifinals for the first time since 2003.
The Panthers (9-21), the No. 8 seed, beat Radford in their previous postseason meetings (2002, 2006 and 2007) and failed to reach the semis for the first time in six years.
High Point closed within 45-37 with 18:05 left, but the Highlanders used a 16-2 run, sparked by eight points by Parakhouski, to lead 61-39 with 11:30 left.
Joey Lynch-Flohr added 12 points for Radford, which plays North Carolina-Asheville on Thursday. Amir Johnson had 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Eugene Harris led the Panthers with 12 points.
