November 30, 2005
BOX SCORE
FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University won its first Division I men’s basketball game in nearly a year, defeating Liberty University 88-75 Wednesday night in Willett Hall. The Lancers (2-4) placed five players in double-figure scoring, led by junior Michael Jefferson/Chesterfield (Meadowbrook) with a game-high 22 points, while the Flames (1-3) were led by Larry Blair with 16 points. It was Longwood’s first win over a Division I opponent since last year’s victory over Howard (Dec. 18, 75-69), and also the Lancers’ 15th win over Liberty in 20 overall meetings; though the first contest between the two schools since February 8, 1988. Longwood will play again on Saturday, Dec. 3, at UMKC of the Mid-Continent Conference beginning at 8 p.m...
Longwood started fast against Liberty and led 17-8 at 13:14 on a jumper from Jefferson who scored 12 of his 22 points in the first half. The Flames narrowed the margin to 19-14 at 10:51 on a layup from Russell Monroe, but the Lancers went on a 13-0 run to take control with 4:20 left before halftime as four different players scored during the outburst. The hosts extended the margin to 42-21 late in the half en route to a comfortable 44-25 lead at the intermission in front of a raucous and delighted crowd of 1,430. Monroe had 10 points at the break for the visitors.
Longwood continued its momentum in the second half, widening the advantage to 54-29 at 16:28 on a jumper from freshman Bryan Butler/Woodbridge (Potomac). The Lancers maintained their 20-plus point margin until less than six minutes remained as juniors Maurice Sumter/Alexandria (T.C. Williams) and Clayton Morgan/Brooklyn, N.Y. (Fashion Institute), along with freshman Kirk Williams/White Plains, N.Y. (Woodlands) each contributed key baskets. The Flames were able to mount a late rally after Blair left the game with an injury at 7:08 and Longwood leading 72-49, though Liberty got no closer than the final margin of 13 points. Jefferson made 6-6 free throws over the final 2:05 to secure the outcome for the Lancers.
Jefferson added six rebounds, five assists, and three steals to his game-high 22 points for Longwood. Williams finished with a career-high 17 points off the bench for the Lancers, while Butler matched his career-high of 15 points, adding five steals and three assists. Sumter also had 15 points, adding nine rebounds, while Morgan contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. Longwood shot 48% (29-60) from the field, including 43% (3-7) on three-pointers, and 77% (27-35) at the free throw line. The Lancers forced Liberty into 21 turnovers for the contest, and out-rebounded the Flames 34-28.
In addition to Blair with 16 points for Liberty, Eric Bigby added 13 points, Evan Risher had 12 points, and Monroe finished with 10 points. The Flames shot 53% (31-58) from the field, including 59% (20-34) in the second half, was 29% 4-14) on three-pointers, and 69% (9-13) at the line. Blair had gotten tangled with one of his teammates after scoring a basket while driving to the hoop late in the game, hitting the floor with the back of his head and needing stitches afterwards.
The UMKC game Saturday night in Kansas City, Missouri is one of two games in the midwest for Longwood as the Lancers will travel northwest to Manhattan, Kansas to play at Kansas State of the Big 12 Conference next Monday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m.. Both road games will be broadcast locally on WVHL, 92.9 FM Kickin’ Country as well as the Internet at www.longwoodlancers.com. Following the road-trip, Longwood will travel north to Atlantic City, New Jersey to play nationally-ranked #4 Villanova University on Saturday, Dec. 10, in Boardwalk Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. -- a game that also can be heard on Kickin’ Country and via the Internet.
