November 23, 2004

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University dropped a hard-fought 91-81 decision to visiting Radford University in men’s college basketball Tuesday night in Willett Hall. The Lancers led 45-40 at halftime, but the visiting Highlanders rallied in the second half to outscore the hosts 51-36, and finished the game at 52% (33-64) from the field. Longwood (0-3) will host Quinnipiac University this Saturday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m., while Radford (2-1) will next play Nov. 29 at home against Division III Ferrum College.

Longwood and Radford battled closely throughout the contest as the Lancers led 7-4 early (18:09) on a three-pointer from sophomore Michael Jefferson/Chesterfield (Meadowbrook). LU took it largest lead of the game at 29-22 with 6:59 left in the half on jumper from Jefferson. The Highlanders fought back with a 13-2 run to lead 35-31 late in the period (3:12). Longwood, however, came right back with its own 14-5 run to lead 45-40 at the intermission as freshman Dana Smith/Woodbridge (C.D. Hylton) scored eight points, including two three-pointers.

Radford came out strong in the second half, closing to within 47-45 at 17:43 on a pair of free throws from Josh Fox. The Highlanders continued playing well to lead 65-58 at 9:38 on a three-pointer from Whit Holcomb-Faye. Longwood made a final run to within 72-68 with 5:06 left to play on a three-pointer from sophomore Maurice Sumter/Alexandria (T.C. Williams). RU, however, closed the door as the Highlanders outscored the Lancers 19-13 down the stretch behind nine points from Chris Oliver.

Longwood was led by Jefferson with his 19 points, four assists, and three steals, while freshman Lamar Barrett/Providence (St. Andrew’s) added 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Smith contributed a career-high 13 points, including 3-4 on three-pointers, and Sumter finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. The Lancers shot 39% (29-75) from the field, including 32% (11-34) on three-pointers, and 86% (12-14) at the line.

Radford was led by Oliver with his game-high and career-high 26 points, adding eight rebounds while making 10-11 shots from the field. Holcomb-Faye had a double-double of 15 points and a game-high and career-high 11 rebounds, adding four assists and four steals, while Reggie McIntyre also scored 15 points with nine boards - both career-highs - and five assists. Brandon Jeffers contributed a career-high 12 points. The Highlanders shot 52% (33-64) from the field, including 47% (8-17) on three-pointers, and 71% (17-24) at the line.