February 10, 2010

GAME NOTES (PDF)

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University will host NAIA member Virginia Intermont College in men's basketball action Thursday night, February 11, at 7 p.m. in Willett Hall (1,807) on-campus in Farmville.  It's been designated "The Blue Zone" as all fans are encouraged to wear blue in support of the Lancers.  Longwood and the Cobras are meeting for just the third-time ever, though for the third consecutive season.  The Lancers (8-16) have won four-straight games and are coached by seventh-year head coach Mike Gillian, and will be led by redshirt-senior guard-forward Dana Smith who is averaging 17.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.  VIC (1-24) is coached by third-year head coach Scott Hoagland and is led by junior forward Marquette Knight (13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds).  Tickets remain and will be available at the Willett Hall Ticket Office or by calling 434.395.2138.

Series History
Longwood and Virginia Intermont have played just two times previously in the sport of men's basketball.  The Lancers have won both games against the Cobras, including 113-60 last season (12.20.08) here in Willett Hall.  Sophomore Antwan Carter led LU with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Jimmie Ross led VIC with 16 points.

A Look At Virginia Intermont
Virginia Intermont, members of the NAIA?Appalachian Athletic Conference, is coached by third-year head coach Scott Hoagland.  The Cobras have a record of 1-24 after their 79-62 road loss at Reinhardt (Ga.) on Monday (2.8).  VIC is led by juniors Marquette Knight (13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds) and Wade Bryant (12.0 points).  Also expected in the lineup are sophomores Jimmie Ross (5.9 points) and Jordan Spurling (5.6 points), along with freshman Tihlee Anderson (6.6 points).  Ross had 17 points at Reinhardt, while Spurling added a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

A Look At Longwood
Longwood is 8-16 after its 83-81 road win at Fairleigh Dickinson on Monday (2.8).  The Lancers are led by redshirt-senior Dana Smith who has averaged 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, and sophomore Antwan Carter who is averaging 14.5 points and 8.0 rebounds.  Also in the lineup are seniors #E.J. Dawson# (3.3 points, 3.3 assists) and Kevin Swecker (7.8 points, 38 3FG), along with junior Aaron Mitchell (8.8 points, 3.0 assists).  Smith and sophomore Martiz Washington (off the bench) led the way at FDU with 19 points each, while Swecker had 15 points, Carter had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Mitchell added 10 points.  Washington contributed his career-high 19 points at FDU over the final 9:58 of the first half, scoring 11-straight points during a dizzying 1:15 stretch after entering the contest.

Home Sweet Home
Longwood is 39-20 (.661) at home in Willett Hall over the past four-plus seasons, including a 5-3 mark this year following a 13-2 home record last season.  The Lancers were 7-5 during 2007-08, 8-4 during 2005-06, while 6-6 during 2006-07.  Longwood is 243-129 (.653) all-time (29-plus seasons) in Willett Hall.  The Lancers have averaged 82.8 points during its eight games (5-3) at home this season as opposed to only 65.1 points during the 16 games (3-11 away, 0-2 neutral) played away from Farmville.  Additionally, Longwood has averaged an outstanding 1,363 in home attendance during the four games played in Willett Hall (1,807) this season while the students have been on campus.  The overall home attendance average through eight games is 915, but should rise above 1,000 with four remaining home dates with the students on campus.

For more game notes and statistical information, please download the PDF linked above ...