February 1, 2009

BOX SCORE

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University dropped an 88-50 women's basketball road decision at nationally-ranked #18 the University of Virginia Sunday afternoon at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville.  Junior Becky Fernandes/Ft. Belvoir (Bishop Ireton) scored 14 points to lead the Lancers who now have a record of 6-14 this season.  Lyndra Littles scored a game-high 17 points in 19 minutes to lead the Cavaliers of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) who improved to 18-4 overall.  Longwood will play again this Saturday, February 7, on the road again at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia beginning at 3 p.m..
   
Longwood led briefly at 3-2 after a three-point field goal by sophomore Krystal Garrison/Fredericksburg (Courtland) less than two minutes into the contest at 18:02.  The Lancers played Virginia even over the first four-plus minutes, tied at 10-10 following another three-pointer, this one from freshman Sierra Fletcher/Utica, Ohio (Utica).  The Cavaliers, though, would use a 14-2 run to lead 24-12 with 11:09 left in the half as Monica Wright scored seven quick points, and the hosts extended the margin to 36-16 at 7:57 capping a 26-6 run as five different players contributed.  The visitors tried to battle back and scored five unanswered points to close to within 36-21 at 6:33 on a three-pointer by freshman Brooke Long/Richmond (Mills E. Godwin).  Virginia, however, finished out the opening period with a 19-4 run to lead 55-25 at the intermission.
   
Virginia maintained its momentum and extended the lead to 69-31 with 11:34 on the clock and took its largest advantage at 75-32 after a three-pointer from Kristen London at 8:53.  Longwood narrowed the margin to 79-48 with 3:25 left to play after a 16-4 run sparked by six points from freshman Brittanni Billups/Goldsboro, N.C. (Eastern Wayne), four free throws from Garrison, and back-to-back three-pointers but the Cavaliers outscored their visitors 9-2 down the stretch.
   
Fernandes led Longwood with her 14 points (6-10 FG) in 20 minutes of action.  Garrison had nine points (6-6 FT) and two steals, while Billups finished with eight points (3-6 3FG) off the bench for the Lancers.  LU shot 31% (15-49) from the field, including 31% (5-16) on three-pointers, and 71% (15-21) at the free throw line.
   
Littles led #18 Virginia with her game-high 17 points, adding seven rebounds in 19 minutes.  London finished with 15 points off the bench for the Cavaliers.  Wright had 13 points, four assists, and four steals, while Ariana Moorer also scored 13 points off the bench, adding three assists.  UVA shot 46% (32-69) from the field, including 41% (7-17) on three-pointers, and 63% (17-27) at the line.  The nationally-ranked hosts had a 52-26 rebounding advantage with 25 second-chance points and 28 points off turnovers, forcing the visitors into 20 miscues.
   
Longwood and Virginia have now played 10 times in the sport of women's basketball, and the Cavaliers lead the all-time series between the two schools at 6-4, including last year's 62-49 home win as well.