Nationally ranked as No. 31, James Madison University’s (JMU) first game of the season saw them face off against Longwood on their home court, ultimately ending in their first win and the Lancers’ second loss as the final score read 88-30 on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Turnovers and second chances allowed JMU (1-0) to score over 20 of their points. Giving up 19 turnovers and shooting .182 (10-of-55) from the field didn’t work in the Lancers’ (0-2) favor.
"This wasn't the way we envisioned starting the season," said women’s basketball head coach Bill Reinson on Longwood athletics’ official website. "We knew the first few games were very challenging, but this was extremely disappointing."
Four JMU Dukes scored in the double digits, including redshirt senior guard Jazmon Gwathmey (22), senior guard Angela Mickens (13), senior guard Ashley Perez (13) and freshman forward Savannah Felgemacher (17).
Though Longwood and JMU’s shot count differed by less than 20, the Lancers shots did not sink, especially from beyond the arc. Of 19 three point attempts, three were made.
"Fortunately, we have a lot of character in this locker room," Reinson said on Longwood athletics’ official website. "The challenge here is to see how they respond."
Moving forward, Longwood will face an ACC-caliber opponent in the University of Virginia (2-0), undefeated in non-conference play so far, on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. in Charlottesville, Virginia. The game will complete the Lancers’ three game away streak to start the season.
Women’s basketball will appear in Willett Hall for the first time in the 2015-16 season on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. against North Carolina Central (0-1).
NC Central faced fellow Big South team Campbell University on Monday, Nov. 16 and lost 57-48 in their first match of the season.
