November 19, 2004
BOX SCORE
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Longwood University dropped an 82-69 decision at Columbia University Friday night during the first round of the Columbia Classic in New York City. The Lancers led 40-34 at halftime, but the host Lions rallied in the second half to outscore the visitors 48-29, and finished the game making 25-27 free throws for the win. Longwood (0-1) will play Mount St. Mary's, who lost 66-65 in overtime to Morehead State in the event's opener, in Saturday's consolation game at 5 p.m., while Columbia (1-0) will play Morehead State in the championship contest.
Longwood started fast against Columbia, getting a three-pointer from sophomore Marurice Sumter/Alexandria (T.C. Williams) en route to an early 6-0 lead at 17:22. The Lancers still led at 10-7 on a three-pointer from sophomore Michael Jefferson/Chesterfield (Meadowbrook) at 13:14. The Lancers continued to play well and increased the lead to as many as 11 points at 38-27 with 2:23 left in the half on a basket inside from junior Chad Kosmo/Northport, Maine (Maine Central Institute). The Lions finished the half with a 7-2 run to close to within 40-34 at the intermission. LU freshman Lamar Barrett/Providence, R.I. (St. Andrew's) sparked the visitors with 12 points during the opening 20 minutes, including 3-3 on three-pointers.
Columbia continued to narrow the margin in the second half and finally took a 44-43 lead at 13:41. The Lions increased their lead to 54-46 with 11:01 remaining before Longwood used a 10-5 run to pull within 59-56 at 8:26 on another basket inside by Kosmo. Columbia came right back with an 11-4 run to lead 70-60 with 5:48 to play and the Lancers could get no closer than five points at 72-67 with 2:25 on the clock on a jumper from Barrett. The hosts finished strong over the final 2:04, outscoring LU 10-2.
Barrett led Longwood with 18 points while making his collegiate debut, making 6-8 field goals, including 3-3 on three-pointers, and 3-4 free throws while adding five assists. Jefferson finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while sophomore Husein Pistoljevic/Richland, Wash. (Hanford) had 11 points and four assists. Kosmo and Sumter each contributed 10 points as the Lancers placed five players in double-figure scoring. LU shot 38% (22-58) from the field, including 35% (10-29) on three-pointers, and 60% (15-25) at the line.
Columbia was led by senior Matt Preston with game-highs of 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Jeremiah Boswell added 11 points. The Lions shot 41% (25-61) from the field, including 32% (7-22) on three-pointers, and were impressive at the free throw line - making 93% (25-27).
