Longwood came up with their first win of the season on Nov. 20 after three consecutive losses. The Lancers (1-3) came out strong and finished with a 72-59 victory over the University of Massachusetts Lowell (0-4) after trailing by eight points at halftime.
Longwood sophomore forward Kemari Jones had a career high 24 points, helping push the Lancers to victory. Jones matched her previous career high of 14 points in the third quarter alone. Jones finished the game 8-of-13 from the floor with seven rebounds, three steals and one block.
"Kemari Jones was a warrior today," said head coach Bill Reinson on the official Longwood athletics website. "She may not be our highest scorer every game, but she might just be our most important player. She brings energy and intangibles that help you win games."
Jones was one of four Longwood players to finish with double figures. The Lancers’ junior guard Autumn Childress posted 10 points, senior forward Eboni Gilliam added 11 points and sophomore guard Ciarah Bennett chipped in with 11 points as well.
"I felt like I was able to get my confidence back after my injury last year," Jones said on the official Longwood athletics website. "I've overcome so much in the past year in terms of injuries, and I give all the glory to God for helping me through it. I gave it all I had to help my team come out on top today."
Bennett missed the first two games of the season due to injury, but has come back with force and played a helpful role in defeating the River Hawks. In addition to Bennett’s 11 points, she had seven steals and six assists. She recorded six of her seven steals during Longwood’s second half surge where they recorded 16 steals and forced 21 of UML’s 36 total turnovers. Longwood opened the second half with a 12-4 run in the first four minutes to take the lead after trailing 34-26 at the break.
"At halftime, we talked about coming out in the second half and playing with a lot of energy," Bennett said on the official Longwood athletics website. "I did my best to impact the team any way I could and tried to bring a lot of energy to the floor."
The Lancers finished the game with 18 assists, led by Bennett and junior guard Micaela Ellis, each finishing with six assists with Childress adding another three assists.
"Micaela Ellis was incredible as well," Reinson said on the official Longwood athletics website. "She played 38 minutes of trapping, pressing defense and handled it like a champion. She's our team captain and her leadership was on full display today."
The win marks the end of the Lancers season-opening road swing. They will return for their home opener on Nov. 26 against West Virginia Tech at 2 p.m.
