ROCK HILL, S.C. – Paul Jones III poured in 22 first-half points, and Winthrop men's basketball hit a season-high 14 triples on Saturday afternoon to take down Longwood 95-76.
 
Jones finished with a game high 24 and tied a career high with six triples, and Winthrop (12-7, 2-2 Big South) never trailed while staying unbeaten at home. Kelton Talford added 17 points, Nick Johnson added 16, and Kasen Harrison chipped in 14 points and nine assists for the Eagles.
 
For Longwood (13-6, 2-2 Big South), the game was the first of a road heavy stretch that will see Longwood play four of its next six on the road.
 
Kyrell Luc put together a strong effort with 18 points to lead the team. Colby Garland added 15, the bulk of it coming after halftime, and Angelo Brizzi finished with 13 points.
 
Jones put down a triple one minute into the game for a Winthrop lead, and the Eagles were off and running. The team's first 23 points were either triples, three from Jones, or in the paint.
 
Longwood hung around thanks to an aggressive start for Luc and Garland, but the Winthrop defense made life difficult for the Lancers at the midway point of the half.
 
A quick 7-0 spurt capped by a Jones three gave Winthrop a 12-point lead before Luc cut it to single digits with 3-4 foul shots over the next two Lancer possessions. Ultimately, the nine triples in the first half powered Winthrop to a 23-point lead at the intermission.
 
The Lancers opened the second half with a quick start to try and whittle away the lead. Garland started a run that saw Longwood hit seven straight shots to start the half, with Luc adding two triples in that stretch.
 
Garland capped it with a jumper that pulled Longwood within 15, but Winthrop answered with seven straight points to re-establish the 20-point advantage.
 
Brizzi sank a three, and Jaylen Benard scored an and-one to get Longwood within 16 with 11:40 to play, but the Winthrop offense stayed hot to help fend off every Lancer run from that point on.
 
The Lancers return home to host High Point on Thursday night, with the game airing on ESPNU. Fans with an ESPN+ subscription can also watch the action. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
 
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