After defeating the Lancer men's basketball team Feb. 19, 2007, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) followed the win with a D-I-record 51 straight losses. The Highlanders finally ended their losing streak Wednesday, Jan. 21 but the Lancers ensured that NJIT would not run their winning streak to two games, winning Saturday's matchup 63-51.
With the win the Lancers improved their record to 10-10, equaling their best win total while playing a Division I schedule. During the 2005-06 campaign, the Lancers finished 10-20, and with 10 games remaining the Lancers will likely finish the season with the best record since the transition to Division I.
Longwood's bench provided a strong boost, outscoring the NJIT bench 26-0. Freshman Antwan Carter led the Lancers with 18 points and 11 rebounds, posting his third double-double of the season. Senior Ryan Bogan added 13 points, senior Dana Smith contributed eight points and eight rebounds and junior Billy Robinson chipped in seven points and eight rebounds.
The Lancers took a nine-point advantage into halftime, but that margin was erased during a 10-0 run by the Highlanders to start the second half. With the game tied at 30, Smith made a layup at the 13:23 mark to put the Lancers in front for good.
NJIT was able to pull within five midway through the half, but a 10-2 run by the Lancers squelched any hope of a Highlanders comeback. The Lancers will close the 2008-09 season with a trip to Newark, NJ, to take on the Highlanders March 4. With the win the Lancers now enjoy a 3-2 all-time series lead against NJIT.
Next up for the Lancers is a Saturday night matchup against Columbia University. Tip-off is sent for 7 p.m. The game is part of a nationwide Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend where Longwood coaches will wear sneakers instead of traditional dress shoes with their suits. The program has raised nearly $45 million for cancer research since 1993 and is supported by some of the nation's top coaches, including Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, UNC's Roy Williams and Duke's Mike Kyzyzewski. Students are encouraged to wear sneakers to the game to show their support for the Coaches vs. Cancer program.
Saturday's contest will be the fifth game in a six-game homestand for the Lancers. The team will close out the homestand on Wednesday, Feb. 4 when they take on the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore at 7 p.m. on Greek Night. After ending the homestand the Lancers' schedule includes trip to Georgia, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina and New Jersey, with three additional home games on tap during February before the season finale March 4 against NJIT.
Longwood gathers during a timeout in their win over NJIT on Wednesday.
Senior Ryan Bogan at the three Saturday against NJIT.