Game 3 • Longwood (2-0) vs. Milwaukee (1-1)
Date & Time	Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 (7 p.m.)
Location	Farmville, Va. (Joan Perry Brock Center)
Game Notes	Longwood | Milwaukee
Game Program	Game Program
Statistics	Longwood | Milwaukee
TV	ESPN+
Live Stats	Live Stats
Social Media	@LongwoodLancers | @LongwoodMBB

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood men's basketball hosts Milwaukee in a Wednesday night showdown between two of the top projected teams in the Horizon League and the Big South.

THE OPENING TIP
•    The matchup with Milwaukee features two teams that advanced to their conference title games a season ago.
•    The Lancers did so as the No. 5 seed, taking down No. 4 Winthrop, No. 1 High Point and No. 2 2 UNC Asheville en route to the Big South title over a three-day span.
•    Milwaukee won three games (No. 11 Detroit Mercy, No. 3 Green Bay, No. 5 Northern Kentucky) before falling in the title game to top-seeded Oakalnd.
•    The Lancers are 2-0 through two games for the first time since 2018-19, which was also Griff Aldrich's first year leading the team.
•    Longwood was picked to finish third in the Big South Preseason Poll, with Michael Christmas earning Preseason All-Big South Second Team honors.
 
LAST TIME OUT
•    Longwood used a lockdown defensive effort after halftime to pull away from Morgan State during Homecoming weekend on November 9 at the Joan Perry Brock Center.
•    Defense turned to offense in the second half, when the Lancers scored 16 points off Morgan State turnovers to turn a four-point advantage to an 18-point runaway win.
•    Four players scored in double figures, and 11 players scored, for the Lancers with Michael Christmas leading the way with a game high 19 points.
•    Christmas relentlessly attacked the basket and tied a career mark with 11 free throw attempts, hititng seven, as Longwood shot 33 free throws.
•    KJ McClurg (13 points), Kyrell Luc (12 points, four assists), and Jaylen Benard (11 points) also scored in double figures.
•    The Lancer bench came up big, scoring 35 points in the contest.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
•    Longwood is in the midst of a four-game homestand to open the season, one of two such homestands this season for the Lancers.
•    The Lancers will also play two four-game stretches away from home, including the Paradise Jam from November 22-25.
•    The Paradise Jam features three NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, including the first matchup of the tournament that pits Longwood against UAB.
•    The Lancers had 11 players play and score on opening night while having three players score in double figures.
•    The 40 free throw attempts for Longwood were the most in a game since 1/20/24 against Presbyterian, when the team shot 41 free throws.
•    KJ McClurg attempted 12 free throws, the most for the team since Walyn Napper attempted 17 at Presbyterian on 2/17/2024.
•    For McClurg, it was the 12th time in his collegiate career he as attempted at least 10 free throws.
•    The Lancers grabbed 10 offensive rebounds after grabbing at least 10 offensive 28 times a season ago.
•    Longwood is ranked 192nd in the Kenpom preseason rankings, the third-highest team in the Big South.
•    Three Big South teams are in the top 200 of Kenpom.
•    Longwood is part of a short list of mid-major teams to make multiple NCAA Tournaments in the past three seasons, with only 24 mid-major teams doing so. Other names include teams like Gonzaga, Saint Mary's and Vermont.
•    The Lancers have won two of the past three Big South Championships.

ONE ON ONE WITH KJ MCCLURG
What do you love about basketball?
KJ: It's a way to go out there and compete against people that have the same goal and passion as I do. It's something that I've done and love, and you can go and show the work and time that you've put in and have it come to fruition.

When did you start playing?
KJ: I started when I was five, in kindergarten. I had a little rec team that I played with in my elementary school.

Basketball muse or inspiration?
KJ: That's a tough question. Growing up, my favorite team was the Celtics. Seeing their success and them winning kind of gave me hope that there is a chance and is what pushed me. Now, my family drives me. They are trying to get to every game taht they can and do as much as they can.

Favorite home cooked meal?
KJ: Breaded chicken. My dad makes some good breaded chicken that is my go-to when I can go home, whenever I get the chance. Sides with it are mashed potatoes and green beans.

What's a guilty pleasure as a snack or dessert?
KJ: I'm a big chocolate chip guy. Chocolate chip cookies. My mom always made chocolate chip cookies, and I can never say no.

Hobby outside of hoops?
KJ: I'm big into watching other sports. I love watching the NFL, seeing all the stats. Other than that, I'd say watching TV. I'm into Game of Thrones right now.

If you weren't playing basketball, what sport would you play?
KJ: Football. I actually, when I was young, I loved football. That was my first sport that I ran to. I was a running back, then I grew a little bit, broke my wrist once doing it. So it kind of forced me another direction. I love hitting people. I love football.

Pregame playlist?
KJ: I have a mix. A lot of the team listens to rap. I like to listen to some country to kind of relax myself and not get too hype. Play calm, cool, collected, and country brings that vibe to me.

Is a hot dog a sandwich?
KJ: It is not a sandwich. It's connected, one bun.

Stranded on a desert island, you have to survive with two teammates, who you got?
KJ I'm picking Johan Nziemi and Trey Hicks. Both have things they bring, living-wise. Trey is smart, and Jo can do the dirty work and get the things done we need to get done. 

SERIES HISTORY WITH MILWAUKEE                                                              LWU                     MKE  
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