January 13, 2009

BOX SCORE

DURHAM, N.C. - The Longwood University women's basketball team dropped a 67-59 contest to North Carolina Central University on Tuesday night in McLendon-McDougald Gym.  The Lancers fall to 5-11 on the season, while the Eagles improved to 5-13.  Longwood received a team-high 13 points from senior Anna Steg/Vienna (George C. Marshall), while Jori Nwachukwu of North Carolina Central led all players in points with 27.  Longwood returns to the court on Wednesday, January 21, at 5 p.m. while playing host to Maryland-Eastern Shore in Willett Hall.
   
The Lancers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead just seconds into the first half, but would be unable to hold off the Eagles who would take control of the half.  The lead would switch just once in the half and tie twice, as the lead would never get higher than eight points with North Carolina Central taking a 32-27 lead into the half.
   
North Carolina Central took control of the game in the second half, maintaining the lead the remainder of the game.  Longwood would have two rallies during the course of the half, pulling within three with 6:51 remaining. A string of Eagle turnovers allowed the Lancers to cut the lead to 50-47.  However, the Lancers would not be able to come any closer, falling 67-59. 
   
Steg led the Lancers in points with 13, while teammate Becky Fernandes/Fort Belvoir (Bishop Ireton) scored 10 points and pulled down a team-high eight boards.  Nwachukwu led the Eagles with 27 points and seven rebounds.  LaVonna Hailey was the game's leading rebounder, grabbing nine.
   
Longwood shot 44% (22-50) from the field, while shooting 50% (10-20) from the charity stripe.  North Carolina Central finished 50% (24-48) from the field and 60% (18-30) from the free-throw line.