Longwood (4-21 (1-13)) fell 84-53 to UNC Asheville (12-13 (6-8)) at an away match on Feb. 18. The Bulldogs, led by reigning Big South player of the year Chatori Major, controlled the game from start to finish.
Asheville came out strong and held the Lancers scoreless for the opening 3:42. The Bulldogs also opened the game with a 12-0 run against Longwood, in which senior guard Major scored 10 of the 12 points. Major also scored six of Asheville’s 10 three-pointers.
Longwood trailed by 14 at the end of the first quarter, but was able to cut Asheville’s lead down to nine points early in the second quarter. The Lancers entered halftime 11 points behind, at 40-29, to start the second half.
Along with Major’s game-high 26 points, Asheville’s sophomore guard Jessica Wall added another 14 points, and junior center Bronaza Fitzgerald scored 13 as well. The Bulldogs’ attack was too much for the Lancers, who were unable to catch the hosts.
Longwood’s junior guard Micaela Ellis had a career-best 16 points in the game, and added on five assists. This was the third of the past four games that Ellis scored in double figures, averaging 11.3 points a game during her run. Ellis has had three or more assists in 18 games this season, and has had five or more assists in eight games this season.
Longwood’s sophomore forward Kemari Jones also finished in double figures with 12 points. Jones also had a rebound, a steal, and a block all within 29 minutes of game time.
The Lancers will return to play at Willett Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 21 to play local foe Liberty, at 7 p.m.
