2.19.2011

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University won its third-straight men's basketball game Saturday afternoon as all five starters reached double-figure scoring during a 79-72 home victory past visiting CSU Bakersfield at Willett Hall in Farmville. The Lancers (11-19) led 51-42 at the intermission after shooting 61% (19-31) from the field during the opening 20 minutes, and were led by junior Antwan Carter|St. Petersburg, Fla. (St. Petersburg) with 25 points and a game-high 15 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the season. Donavan Bragg led the Roadrunners (9-16) with a game-high 30 points as CSUB lost its fifth consecutive game. Longwood will play its final contest of the year on Thursday night, February 24, hosting Division II Washington Adventist University at Willett Hall in Farmville beginning at 7 p.m. It will be Senior Night for the Lancers who will recognize their three seniors during a pre-game ceremony.

Longwood took an early 10-5 advantage at 17:31 on a three-point field goal by junior Martiz Washington|Hopewell (Christchurch) that followed seven quick points from Carter, including his own three-pointer. CSU Bakersfield battled back and took its largest lead of the game at 22-20 with 12:18 on the first-half clock as Bragg scored four points during the rally. The Lancers took the advantage for good at 30-29 at 8:43 on a layup by redshirt-junior captain Durann Neil|Pleasantville, N.J. (Leap Academy) that started an 8-0 run for a 36-29 lead at 6:21 capped by another Carter basket inside. The Roadrunners pulled to within 37-36 at 5:26 but LU closed the first half with a 14-6 run to lead 51-42 at the break. Carter already had his double-double at halftime with 18 points and 10 rebounds at the intermission, while Washington added 10 first-half points.

Longwood extended its margin to 62-51 with 14:54 remaining as Carter scored five quick points and junior Jeremiah Bowman|Washington, D.C. (Harcum JC) added four points. CSU Bakersfield closed to six points at 62-56 at 12:06 after a three-pointer by Alex Johnson. The Lancers, however, pulled away again and led 69-58 at 6:29 following a three-pointer from freshman David Robinson|Chesterfield (Cosby). The Roadrunners made a final run and were within 71-66 at 2:47 on a pair of free throws by Rashad Savage, but Washington made a big three-pointer for the Blue and White at 2:16 for a 74-66 lead. LU secured the outcome with 5-7 free throws over the final 1:06, including 4-4 from senior captain Aaron Mitchell|Matoaca (Manatee CC).

Carter finished with 25 points and a game-high 15 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the season to lead Longwood. Bowman and Washington each had 13 points and Bowman added five assists as well for the Lancers. Mitchell added 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, and Neil contributed 10 points and a game-high six assists. LU shot 48.3% (28-58) from the field, including 35.3% (6-17) on three-pointers, and 73.9% (17-23) at the free throw line. Longwood outscored CSU Bakersfield 40-22 in the paint, and 12-2 on points off turnovers.

Bragg finished with a game-high 30 points to lead CSU Bakersfield. Johnson added 11 points for the Roadrunners, and Savage had 10 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double as well. CSUB shot 31.4% (22-70) from the field, including 28.1% (9-32) on three-pointers, and 82.6% (19-23) at the line (to stay as close as they did).

Longwood and CSU Bakersfield were playing for just the second time as the Lancers have now won both contests between the two Independent schools, including an 82-81 road win in California last January 9, 2010.

It was Longwood Basketball Reunion Day with special recognition of all returning men's basketball alumni at halftime, including recognition of the 2001 NCAA East Regional and Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference Tournament Champions as well.  A spirited alum game took place earlier Saturday morning as the Blue team defeated the White team 75-66 in a high-scoring contest played over 30 minutes with two 15-minute periods of running clock time.  The White scored the first 11 points of the game before the Blue battled back for a 34-34 tie at the intermission.  The Blue continued with the momentum in the second half behind the perimeter play of DeVonne Johnson and Maurice Sumter, and the strong inside play by Colin Long, Billy Robinson, and E.G. Staton toward the exciting come-from-behind victory.  The White squad was led by Junior Burr, Jon Hughes, Ryan Marable, Dana Smith, and Kevin Swecker.