FAIRLAWN, Va. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before conference play begins will meet Sunday when the Radford Highlanders host the Virginia Military Institute Keydets at the D.N. Dedmon Center. Both teams enter the nonconference finale with identical 5-7 records, though their paths have diverged recently. VMI rides a two-game winning streak, including an 86-70 victory over Loyola Maryland on Dec. 9. Radford looks to rebound from an 83-96 loss at William & Mary on Thursday. The matchup features a compelling contrast in backcourt stars. VMI is led by guard Linus Holmstrom, who is coming off a 23-point, 4-assist performance against Loyola Maryland. Over his last three games, he is averaging 14.3 points and 4.7 assists. Radford counters with the explosive Dennis Parker, who is in the midst of a sensational scoring run. Parker poured in a career-high 53 points in a win over Coppin State on Dec. 14 and followed that with 26 points against William & Mary. In his last two outings, he has averaged 39.5 points. The Keydets’ recent success has been fueled by improved offense, averaging 87.5 points in their two December wins after being held under 70 in four straight losses prior. Alongside Holmstrom, Tan Yildizoglu (14 points, 6 assists vs. Loyola) and TJ Johnson (17 points) provide additional scoring punch. Radford’s season has been marked by volatility, with high-scoring wins over Notre Dame and Coppin State offset by defensive lapses. In their eight losses, the Highlanders have allowed an average of 86.6 points. Containing VMI’s guards while continuing to ride Parker’s hot hand will be critical. This game marks the final tune-up before both teams embark on their conference schedules in January. VMI will open Southern Conference play at home against Samford on Jan. 1, while Radford, a member of the Big South, will host Shenandoah on Dec. 28 before visiting USC Upstate on New Year’s Eve. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon.