LOWELL, Mass. – A career-high 24 points from sophomore forward Kemari Jones and a near triple-double from guard Ciarah Bennett helped Longwood rally from an eight-point halftime deficit to a 72-59 win over UMass Lowell Sunday afternoon inside the Tsongas Center.

Jones had 14 of her game-high 24 points in the third quarter as Longwood utilized a 12-4 run over the opening four minutes of the second half. Matching her previous career-high of 14 points a season ago in the third quarter, Jones finished the afternoon 8-of-13 from the floor and seven rebounds, three steals and a block.

"Kemari Jones was a warrior today," said Longwood head coach Bill Reinson. "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."

A product of Melbourne, Fla., Jones along with her frontcourt teammate Eboni Gilliam erupted for 21 of Longwood's 26 points in the quarter.

"I felt like I was able to get my confidence back after my injury last year," Jones said. "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."

After missing the opening two games of the season with injury, Bennett found her groove stuffing the stat sheet with 11 points, seven steals and six assists in 19 minutes. The dynamic, quick Bennett recorded six of her team-high seven steals in the second half and was part of a Longwood defense that recorded 21 steals and forced the River Hawks into 36 turnovers.

"Our defensive effort in the second half was the most energetic since I've been here," Reinson said. "We showed some toughness, which we can carry forward."

Jones and Bennett were two of Longwood's four players to finish in double figures, as Autumn Childress added 10 points and Gilliam finished with 11 points, three rebounds and three steals. In addition, the Lancers (1-3) had 18 assists on 27 made baskets with Bennett and Micaela Ellis leading the way with six apiece.

"At halftime, we talked about coming out in the second half and playing with a lot of energy," Bennett said. "I did my best to impact the team any way I could and tried to bring a lot of energy to the floor."

That energy helped the Lancers erase a double figure deficit early in the second half to post the squad's first come-from-behind win when trailing by 10 or more points since the 2014 season.

Matching her career-high six assists and recording three or more assists for the 23rd time in her career, Ellis was able to handle UMass Lowell's full court press, as she had just two turnovers in the game.

"Micaela Ellis was incredible, as well," Reinson said. "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."

Kayla Gibbs led the River Hawks (0-4) with 13 points, 10 rebounds, as she was joined in double figures by Megan Hendrick who added 12 points.  

After completing a stretch of four straight games on the road to open the season, Longwood will have six days to prepare for its home opener Saturday, Nov. 26 against West Virginia Tech. That game is set for a 2 p.m., opening tip.

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