Khris Lane erupted against Salem International University as the Longwood men’s basketball team were comfortable 87-74 winners on Nov. 18 in Willett Hall. The redshirt junior forward’s career-high 26 points and 14 rebounds drove the Lancers (1-2) to their first win of the season against the Division II Tigers (0-3).
“It was good to get our first win. I was really pleased with our start. We had been focusing on a lot of things, and I thought it carried over early,” said Head Coach Jayson Gee. “Obviously it faltered late… We looked at the score and played like that.”
The hosts were in control from the opening tip as Lane’s jumper on the opening possession gave them a lead that they never relinquished. Longwood opened up a 25 point margin at one point in the first half, sparked by senior guard Darrion Allen’s 16 points, all coming in the opening period.
The Lancers cruised through the first half against an overmatched Salem International side, led by Former Longwood Assistant Coach Adam Williams to a 45-36 halftime lead.
“That was strange (facing Williams),” said a laughing Gee. “I’m certainly proud of him. His team played really hard, did a great job, and it didn’t surprise me.”
Longwood continued to coast through the second half as more Lancers joined in on the scoring spree. Redshirt sophomore guards Isaiah Walton and Bryan Gee collected 12 and 10 points respectively while Walton led the team with seven assists.
“We’ve got multiple guy who are capable of getting in double figures, and I’m expecting no less than three every game because of the diversity we have and the offensive capabilities we have, and I thought that showed tonight,” said Gee.
Walton and Bryan Gee were two of four Lancers in double figures, joining Allen and the dominant Lane, who notched Longwood’s first double-double of the season.
“I wasn’t really too worried about points tonight. My teammates just found me, I was really just focused on rebounding,” said Lane. "I really made it a point to come out here and get as many rebounds as I could. My points were really just my teammates finding me on a lot of fast-breaks and dump-offs."
“I think it was a tremendous job for him. It’s good to see him get on track, but those numbers don’t surprise me. I told him before the game he needed to get 10 rebounds,” said Jayson Gee. “I was really pleased with that.”
Junior forward Saquan Epps led the Tigers with 18 points, while senior guard Victor Blakey chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists.
It was not all good news for Lancer fans, as Walton, redshirt junior forward Damarion Geter and junior guard Kendrick Thompson each came off with injuries before the end of the 14-point victory.
“Geter’s having foot issues, Kendrick is knee issues and Isaiah Walton injured his calf. And I really believe the odds are in our favor that they’ll all be healthy, because we’ve had enough injuries so far,” said Jayson Gee, whose squad has already suffered two season-ending injuries.
Gee’s squad return to action on Nov. 23 with a road date against Saint Francis in Loretto, Pa.
