Longwood opened its 2026-2027 basketball season with an opponent from the D3 level, Pfeiffer. The Lancers won the Monday night matchup, 123-67.
Why play a D3 team?
Senior Jaylen Benard led the way with his first career double-double, posting 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go with 10 rebounds. Sophomore MJ Williams scored all 12 of his points in the opening half on 5-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, and added with five assists and three steals.
Freshmen Elijah Thomas and Will Dopfer both enjoyed strong debuts at the college level with 12 points apiece. Thomas shot 5-of-6 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from three, in just eight minutes of action, while Dopfer was 6-of-9 from the floor.
Fifth-year wing Alphonzo Billups III, junior Kany Musungay Tchanda, and sophomore TJ Robinson tallied 10 points apiece.
The competition ratchets up a bit for the road opener, which will see Longwood take on Saint Joseph’s of the A-10 on Wednesday night.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Support AFP
Share
Chris Graham
