Longwood University dropped a 101-58 men’s basketball decision on the road at Florida Gulf Coast University of the Atlantic Sun Conference Tuesday night in Fort Myers, Fla. The Lancers (7-14) trailed 41-28 at halftime and never recovered against the Eagles (10-10), who made a season-high 13 three-point field goals en route to their home victory.
Longwood was led by senior Antwan Carter|St. Petersburg, Fla. (St. Petersburg) with 18 points and nine rebounds, and sophomore transfer Tristan Carey|Colonial Beach (La Salle) with 14 points. Florida Gulf Coast was led by Sherwood Brown with game-highs of 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Longwood never led at FGCU after a couple of early tie scores at 2-2 (17:03) and at 4-4 (16:01) following baskets from Carter and Carey, respectively. The Eagles took a 13-4 lead at 14:41 after three consecutive three-pointers, and extended the advantage to 18-8 at 12:36 following another three-pointer. The Lancers battled back with a 10-3 run to close to within 21-18 at 8:15 on a jumper by Carter, and it was 24-20 at 6:12 on a layup from sophomore David Robinson|Chesterfield (Cosby). Unfortunately, FGCU closed the half with a 17-8 run to lead 41-28 at the intermission. Christophe Varidel came off the bench to score 12 first-half points for the hosts, including 3-3 from three-point territory as FGCU made six first-half three-pointers. Carter had 11 points and seven rebounds at the break for the visitors.
Longwood was within 45-33 early in the second half at 17:51 on a layup by Carter but that was as close as it would get. FGCU quickly increased its lead to 20-plus points with three more three-pointers and led 58-36 at 14:56. The Lancers did manage to pull within 62-43 at 12:45 on a pair of free throws from senior Jeremiah Bowman|Washington, D.C. (Harcum JC) before the Eagles took advantage of a 9-1 run to lead 71-44 at 10:30. FGCU continued to extend its margin down the stretch while making seven three-pointers during the final 20 minutes.
Carter led Longwood with 18 points and nine rebounds before fouling out late. Carey finished with 14 points and three assists for the Lancers. Bowman and senior Martiz Washington|Hopewell (Christchurch) each had nine points. LU shot 34% (21-62) from the field, including 19% (5-27) on three-pointers, and 61% (11-18) at the free throw line.
Brown led Florida Gulf Coast with his 20 points and 10 rebounds. Varidel added 17 points, while Dante Jones had 13 points for the Eagles. FGCU shot a 58% (40-68) from the field, including 57% (13-23) on three-pointers, and 53% (8-15) at the line.
It was the third meeting between the two schools in the sport as Florida Gulf Coast leads the series at 2-1.
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