November 19, 2005
BOX SCOREFARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University dropped a 72-55 decision to visiting Florida International in the championship game of the Lancer Invitational played at Willett Hall Saturday afternoon. The Lancers are now 1-1 on the season, while the Golden Panthers improved to 2-0 on the year. Longwood was led by sophomore guard Keiva Small/Norfolk (Norview) who scored a game and career-high 20 points, while adding four rebounds, three steals and one assist. The Lancers will be back in action this Tuesday, November 22 when they welcome Wright State to Farmville. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
After Longwood scored the first bucket, Florida International scored nine-straight points to hold a seven-point advantage with 14:20 to play in the first stanza. Two made free throws by senior guard Jessica Wilkerson/Roanoke (Northside) cut the Golden Panthers lead to five, but a three-pointer by Faeza Bouderra pushed FIU’s advantage to eight.
The Golden Panthers continued to keep the Lancers at arms distance until Small took over the contest. With FIU leading 19-14 with 6:22 to play in the half, Small scored 10-straight points for the Lancers and 10 out of the games next 15 points to help Longwood tie the game at 24 a piece with less than five minutes to play in the first half.
Florida International scored four unanswered points to break the tie and hold a four-point advantage at 28-24, but Small drained a three-pointer and freshman center Claire Blevins/Chantilly (Chantilly) sank two free throws to give Longwood its first lead of the contest, 29-28, with 2:11 to play in the half. FIU closed out the half though on a 9-3 run to go into the locker room with a 37-32 lead.
Longwood cut the Florida International’s lead to 37-36 early in the second half, but a 12-1 run by the Golden Panthers gave them a 49-37 cushion with 14:47 to play in the contest.
The Lancers cut into the double-digit lead, slicing it to 51-44 on a layup by senior forward Ashley Mason/Virginia Beach (Princess Anne), but FIU scored six-straight points to push its lead back to double-digits at 57-44. Longwood could never get any closer as Florida International earned the 17-point victory.
Besides Small, the Lancers were led by Mason who scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds, had one block and made one steal. Both Small and Mason earned All-Tournament honors. Longwood shot 23.6% (13-55) from the field, including 14.3% (2-14) on three-pointers, and was 62.8% (27-43) at the charity stripe
The Golden Panthers had three players finish in double-digit points, including Eva Makela who scored a game-high 17 points. Bouderra chipped in 16 points and Marquita Adley added a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Golden Panthers shot 47.9% (23-48) from the field, including 33.3% (2-6) on three pointers, and 70.6% (24-34) at the free throw line. Makela was named the tournament MVP, while Lasma Jekabsone earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.
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Maryland-Eastern Shore defeated Gardner-Webb 77-67 in the consolation game early in the day. Kristi Veltkamp of UMES and Sequenta Blackman of Gardner-Webb rounded out the All-Tournament team.
