Men's Basketball Falls At #20 Florida Gulf Coast 75-58

Freshman Michael Jefferson Scores Game-High 24 Points At #20 Florida Gulf Coast

March 4, 2004

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Longwood University (4-22) dropped a 75-58 men's college basketball decision at #20 Florida Gulf Coast University (22-4) Thursday night in Florida during the first-round of the National Provisional Tournament hosted by the nationally-ranked Eagles. Freshman standout Michael Jefferson/Chesterfield (Meadowbrook) led the Lancers with a game-high 24 points as the visitors took a 29-28 halftime advantage. FGCU outscored LU 47-29 in the second half for its 29th-straight home win in Alico Arena -- second-longest in Division II.

Longwood started fast against the Eagles, leading early at 10-2 on a basket from freshman Maurice Sumter/Alexandria (T.C. Williams). The Lancers continued with their advantage, in front 18-13 with 7:19 left in the period on a steal and layup by Jefferson. Florida Gulf Coast took its first lead of the game at 20-18 (5:21) before the visitors fought back to lead 29-28 at halftime as Jefferson finished with 12 first-half points.

The talented Eagles, who own two road wins over Division I opponents this season, opened the second half with a 26-12 run to lead 54-41 with 10:28 remaining. Longwood managed to narrow the deficit to 54-44 at 9:12 on another jumper from Jefferson, and still trailed just 65-54 with 5:02 left to play before Florida Gulf Coast secured its home winning streak down the stretch.

Jefferson added four assists and three steals to his game-high 24 points, shooting 8-14 from the field, including 1-3 on three-point field goals, and 7-11 at the free throw line. Freshman Husein Pistoljevic/Richland, Wash. (Hanford) added 13 points, including 3-6 on three-pointers, as the only other Lancer in double-figures. Sumter finished with seven points. Longwood shot 36% (20-55) from the field, including 26% (5-19) on three-pointers, and 52% (13-25) at the line.

All-America candidate Leighton Bowie led the Eagles with 20 points, including 10-11 free throws, adding six rebounds. Ryan Hopkins added 15 points, including four treys, and Roman Brown contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Brett Fritz grabbed a game-high 12 boards for the hosts. Florida Gulf Coast shot 41% (24-58) from the field, including 33% (5-15) on three-pointers, and 76% (22-29) at the line.

Longwood will complete its season in the tournament's consolation game Friday, March 5, at 6 p.m. against the University of Northern Colorado. The Bears (6-21) lost to Utah Valley State College (22-5) in the other first-round game by a score of 74-43.

Print Friendly Version