1.29.2011

BOX SCORE

Game (1st-Half) Highlinghts via LongwoodULancers YouTube
Footage Courtesy Alexandra Myers '12

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University dropped a 76-67 decision to fellow Independent Savannah State University in men's basketball Saturday afternoon at Willett Hall in Farmville. Junior standout Antwan Carter|St. Petersburg, Fla. (St. Petersburg) led the host Lancers (8-16) with his ninth double-double of the season, posting game-highs of 26 points and 10 rebounds. Jovonni Shuler led the Tigers (4-17) with 22 points, including 11 points over the final 4:07 when the visitors outscored LU 16-7 to break a 60-60 tie en route to earning their road victory. Longwood will play again on Wednesday night, February 2, back on the road at Colgate University of the Patriot League in Hamilton, New York beginning at 7 p.m.

Longwood took an early 9-5 lead at 16:37 as senior captain Aaron Mitchell|Matoaca (Manatee CC) scored five quick points after two layups from Carter. Savannah State rallied with a 10-2 run to lead 15-11 at 13:18 as Shuler scored eight points, including two three-point field goals. The Lancers battled back with a 15-6 run to take a 26-21 advantage at 5:55 following a three-pointer by junior Martiz Washington|Hopewell (Christchurch), getting five points from junior Jeremiah Bowman|Washington, D.C. (Harcum JC). LU took its largest lead of the half, and game, at 38-28 with 1:01 left until halftime on a pair of free throws from Mitchell. The Tigers, however, closed the period strong and reduced the deficit as the hosts led 40-34 at the intermission.

Savannah State continued its momentum to start the second half, outscoring Longwood 11-4 to take a 45-44 lead with 15:09 on the clock. The Lancers fought back with an 8-2 run to lead 52-47 at 13:31 on a layup by Mitchell, and the hosts maintained the advantage and still led 56-51 at 10:55 after a tip-in basket from freshman Jeff Havenstein|Mt. Airy, Md. (Linganore). A layup by Bowman made it 60-57 at 6:41 before the Tigers pulled away down the stretch behind the play of Shuler. SSU made all four of its final shot attempts from the field, including another three-pointer by Shuler, and was 10-12 at the free throw line over the final four-plus minutes while securing the outcome.

Carter finished with game-highs of 26 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double this year to lead Longwood. Mitchell had 13 points and a game-high six assists, while Bowman contributed 11 points and five rebounds. LU shot 44.8% (26-58) from the field, including 33.3% (5-15) on three-pointers, and 76.9% (10-13) at the free throw line.  The contest did feature seven ties, and eight lead changes throughout.

Shuler finished with 22 points to lead Savannah State. Preston Blackmon and Cedric Smith (off the bench) each had 14 points for the Tigers. Jyles Smith added 13 points and eight rebounds. SSU shot 57.4% (27-47) from the field, including 27.3% (3-11) on three-pointers, and 70.4% (19-27) at the line. Savannah State shot a season-best 57% from the field while scoring a season-best 76 points as well. The Tigers entered their 21st game of the season averaging 54.3 points while shooting 37% from the field through 20 games.

Longwood and Savannah State were playing for the 11th time in the sport of men's basketball as the Tigers lead the series at 7-4. The Lancers will get a return contest at Savannah State in Georgia next month on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m.