The Longwood men’s basketball team came out on top in a double overtime thriller over Charleston Southern University on the road, 78-76. The win brings the Lancers to 8-17 on the season, while the Buccaneers to 8-16.
The Feb. 6 win was the team’s second-straight, coming after another dramatic late win over Campbell at home.
In a tight contest with 12 lead changes, it was the Lancers who kept their composure late.Redshirt senior guard Tra’Vaughn White sunk a pair of free throws to give Longwood a 2-point lead with 30 seconds remaining. The Buccaneers had two opportunities to retake the lead, but were denied as the Lancers went home with the win.
Not only was it a crucial Big South victory, the win at Charleston Southern was also a milestone for redshirt senior center Lotanna Nwogbo. Nwogbo returned to the court where he suffered a season-ending thumb injury last season, missing the final 17 games.
Head coach Jayson Gee spoke about the impact of Nwogbo’s injury, and how the center stepped up for the Lancers in the clutch.
"I got emotional talking about him, the impact he's made and how big this was to regain his two legs on this court," Gee said on the official Longwood athletics website. "Lotanna (Nwogbo) was a man out there… I usually sub him, but I told him he can get a sub on the bus. He's not coming out of this game."
Nwogbo delivered a standout performance, collecting a double-double with a team-leading 19 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, in 45 minutes of action.
Another player put injury issues behind himas senior forward Shaquille Johnson came off the bench in his second game since returning from an ankle injury. Johnson contributed both offensively, with nine points and six assists, and defensively, with seven rebounds and five steals.
Two other Lancers reached double-figures in points, including 17 from White and sophomore guard Kanayo Obi-Rapu Jr.
"I don't think we could have won this game earlier in the season," Nwogbo said on the official Longwood athletics website. "We would have folded, at least by the first overtime, if we were even able to get to that point. We've gotten a lot better physically and mentally. We've gotten stronger, and that's what you saw tonight."
Longwood will look to continue their streak when they go on the road again to face Big South No. 3 Winthrop on Feb. 11. The Eagles are 16-7.
