February 16, 2010

GAME NOTES (PDF)

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University will host NAIA member Southern Virginia University in men's basketball action Wednesday night, February 17, at Willett Hall in Farmville beginning at 7 p.m..  It's been designated "80's Night" as all fans are encouraged to dress from the 1980's ... Longwood and the Knights are meeting for just the fourth-time ever, though for the third consecutive season.  The Lancers (9-17) have won five of their last six games and are coached by seventh-year head coach Mike Gillian, while led by redshirt-senior guard-forward Dana Smith who is averaging 17.8 points and 7.4 rebounds.  SVU (12-7) is coached by second-year head coach Brian Pendleton and is led by junior guard Ade Swann (16.3 points). Tickets remain and will be available at the Willett Hall Ticket Office or by calling 434.395.2138.

Series History
Longwood and Southern Virginia have played four times previously in the sport of men's basketball. The Lancers lead the series at 3-1 with three-straight wins, including 91-82 last season in Farmville (1.21.09). Billy Robinson Jr. is the top returning scorer from that LU victory at home with 12 points, while Ade Swann is the top returning scorer for the Knights with 16 points a year ago. Longwood had led 80-60 with 4:56 to play before SVU rallied down the stretch with a game-ending 22-11 run that provided for the final margin.

A Look Southern Virginia
Southern Virginia, with membership in both NAIA and USCAA, is coached by second-year head coach Brian Pendleton. The Knights have a record of 12-7 after their 70-61 home loss to The Apprentice School this past Saturday (2.13), the program's only setback at home this season. SVU is led by junior Ade Swann (16.3 points), senior Bryce Pendleton (14.5 points, 47 3FG), and junior Cory Evans (13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds). Also expected in the lineup are juniors Marquis Williamson (4.7 points) and Terell Johnson (3.1 points, 6.0 rebounds). Swann had 18 points against Apprentice, while Williamson added 11 points for the Knights who average 83.8 points including a season-high of 123 points on the road this season at Knoxville (1.9).

A Look At Longwood
Longwood is 9-17 after its 81-78 road loss at North Carolina Central this past Saturday (2.13), ending a recent five-game winning streak. The Lancers are led by redshirt-senior Dana Smith who has averaged 17.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, along with sophomore Antwan Carter who is averaging 14.9 points and 8.5 rebounds. Also in the lineup are seniors #E.J. Dawson# (3.2 points, 3.4 assists) and Kevin Swecker (7.7 points, 43 3FG), along with junior Aaron Mitchell (8.9 points, 3.0 assists). Carter led the way at NCCU with a career-high 22 points, adding 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double (fourth-straight) this year. Smith had 16 points, sophomore Martiz Washington added 15 points off the bench, and Mitchell contributed 12 points. LU averages 72.4 points with a season-high of 112 points at home this season against Washington Adventist (1.30).

Head Coach Mike Gillian
Mike Gillian (North Adams State '86) was named the seventh head coach for men's basketball at Longwood on May 2, 2003. Prior to his arrival, he had been an assistant coach for Jim Larranaga at George Mason for six years (1997-2003) after a year with Coach Larranaga at Bowling Green State (1996-97). A native of Ayer, Massachusetts, Coach Gillian is 60-147 at Longwood, including last year's 17-14 record while earning 2009 Independent Coach of the Year honors from CollegeInsider.com. He had back-to-back 9-22 seasons the previous two years (2007-08, 2006-07), those efforts following a record of 10-20 during 2005-06 that tied for Division I's seventh-best turnaround season that year. The Lancers were 1-30 during 2004-05, their first year playing against a full Division I schedule.

Team Captains
Dana Smith and Kevin Swecker were named team captains by head coach Mike Gillian for 2009-10. Smith is a sixth-year team member and is serving in this team leadership role for the second-straight season. Swecker is a fourth-year team member and first-time team captain.

Home Sweet Home
Longwood is 40-20 (.667) at home in Willett Hall over the past four-plus seasons, including a 6-3 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 244-129 (.654) all-time (29-plus seasons) in Willett Hall. The Lancers have averaged 84.8 points during its nine games (6-3) at home this season, shooting 45.5% from the field, including 33.2% on three-point field goals, and 67.7% at the free throw line as opposed to their 65.9 points (41.3% FG, 31.9% 3FG, 61.1% FT) during the 17 games (3-12 away, 0-2 neutral) played away from Farmville. Additionally, Longwood has averaged an outstanding 1,353 in home attendance during the five games played in Willett Hall (1,807) this season while the students have been on campus. The overall home attendance average through nine games is 959, but should rise above 1,000 with three remaining home dates with the students on campus, including tonight's game versus Southern Virginia.

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