December 23, 2007
BOX SCORE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Longwood University dropped a hard-fought 63-54 men’s basketball decision on the road at George Washington University of the Atlantic 10 Conference Sunday in Washington, D.C.. The Lancers (3-12) led by as many as 13 points in the first half, and was ahead 30-26 at halftime against the Colonials (4-5) who have made three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Senior Lamar Barrett/Providence, R.I. (St. Andrews) led LU with a season-high 21 points, including 19 points in the first half, while Virginia Tech transfer Wynton Witherspoon led GW with 19 points. Longwood will play again after the Christmas holiday break on Saturday, December 29, hosting Stetson University at Willett Hall in Farmville beginning at 2 p.m.
Longwood took control early at George Washington and led 17-6 at 11:47 as Barrett scored eight quick points, including back-to-back three-point field goals, for the 11-point advantage. The Lancers continued with their early momentum and extended their lead to 30-17 with just 2:29 left before halftime as Barrett scored 11 consecutive points for the visitors during an 11-4 run. The Colonials, however, got right back into the game with three-straight three-pointers to close the half, including one from Witherspoon, to climb back to within four points at the intermission. Barrett had 19 points during the first 20 minutes, making 8-10 field goals, including 3-4 on three-pointers.
George Washington opened the second half right where it left off in the first half and made three more three-pointers along with a jumper to lead 37-30 at 15:58. Overall, between the two halves, the Colonials put together a 20-0 run behind 10 points from Witherspoon. GW took its largest lead of the game at 43-32 with 11:39 left on the clock before Longwood made another run to keep it close until the end. Junior Ryan Bogan/Oxford, Pa. (Harcum JC) made a three-pointer to bring the Lancers within 48-47 at 4:07, capping a 15-5 run that saw six different players score for the visitors. The hosts, though, used a 15-7 game-closing run over the final 3:29 that included 7-8 free throws to secure the hard-earned win.
Barrett finished with 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-6 3FG) to lead Longwood, adding five rebounds and two assists. It was the second-highest scoring total of his career, behind a 23-point effort as a freshman at Northern Colorado. Bogan finished with 12 points and six rebounds for the Lancers, while junior Kirk Williams/White Plains, N.Y. (Woodlands) added nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists. LU shot 35% (19-55) from the field, including 29% (8-28) on three-point field goals, and 73% (8-11) at the free throw line.
Witherspoon finished with 19 points to lead George Washington, followed by Cheyenne Moore with 12 points for the Colonials. Miles Beatty and Damian Hollis each contributed 11 points off the bench. GW shot 40% (20-50) from the field, including 47% (9-19) on three-pointers, and 74% (14-19) at the line.
