Longwood men’s basketball came up short in a tight and tense contest against Liberty University, losing 69-68. The Lancers had a chance to win on the final possession, but were unable to and fell to an 8-19 overall record, while the Flames improved to 12-15.
In front of a sellout crowd on Feb. 13, the Flames picked up their first ever win in Willett Hall, and snapped a 14 game losing streak in Farmville. The loss was even tougher for the Lancers to take, having lost 55-53 in Lynchburg, Va. earlier this season, and men’s basketball head coach Jayson Gee could not hide his frustration with the outcome.
“I’m disappointed,” said Gee. “To have a chance at the end, and not come out on top, particularly with the way the game ended at their place, it’s just really difficult for us.”
Longwood had one last chance to grab the win as senior forward Shaquille Johnson rebounded after Liberty freshman guard Caleb Homesley missed the front end of a 1-and-1 from the line. With just 2.4 seconds remaining, the Lancers inbounded to senior guard Tra’Vaughn White, who was tightly marked by Flames’ defenders. White could not get a clean look, and his baseline jumper came off the side of the backboard as time expired.
“We ran a play for a staggered screen for Tra to come off,” said Gee. “He got the ball, and he just wasn’t able to create a shot on his own.”
The Flames were red-hot on three-pointers, shooting 53.3 percent (16-of-30) on threes. Liberty continued to torch the Lancers from beyond the arc, despite Longwood’s defensive adjustments.
“We tried to at the end, by going small. But it’s not a great option to take (redshirt-senior center) Lotanna Nwogbo off the floor. He’s such a dominant player, you’d like to have him in the game,” said Gee.
Liberty’s sharpshooting helped offset another big performance from Nwogbo, who racked up 21 points and collected 11 rebounds. It was Nwogbo’s fourth straight double-double, and his tenth this season, the most in the Big South.
Nwogbo and his teammates had to deal with some fiery play by the Flames, who committed 18 fouls, including a technical foul by Homesley. However, Gee did not consider anything to be dirty play by Liberty.
“I think it’s two competitive teams. I thought the teams wanted to win, and I think those things happen in a game like that,” said Gee. “I know them well enough, I know their leadership, it’s nothing below the belt.”
The Lancers will look to put the tough defeat behind them as they host High Point University on Thursday, Feb. 18. The Panthers are 16-9 this season and are fifth in the Big South.
Redshirt-senior Lotanna Nwogbo led Longwood's scoring efforts with 21 points, ending with his tenth double-double of the season, in their 69-68 loss to Liberty at home on Saturday, Feb. 13.
