CHARLESTON, S.C. — A dominating performance from the start for Longwood led the Lancers over Charleston Southern in the regular-season finale. Longwood led by three Lancers in double-figures, and a double-double from Sophomore Akila Smith proved to much for the Buccaneers as Longwood spoiled Charleston Southern's (4-25, 2-18 Big South) senior night, 63-52. 

The win adds to an already historic season for Longwood (12-17, 8-12) as the Lancers secure first-round hosting privileges in the 2020 Hercules Tires Big South Championship, which begins this Tuesday, March 10. The Lancers matchup, along with the entire bracket, will be officially announced by the conference office later this evening. The win also matches the 2012-2013 team for the program-best eight Big South Conference wins. 

"The whole program is focused on building momentum and keeping a laser focus on what we need to do," said head coach Rebecca Tillett. "We knew it would be a challenge to travel to Charleston Southern and play a Buccaneer team that has been playing well of late against the top teams in our league. It shows that our women had the right focus in entering today's game."

"It is critical to enter the tournament with momentum. We have a lot of confidence in our ability to play with every team in our league. We got a little shook during the stretch with our execution down the stretch, and we spent a lot of time and focus on improving our execution late in games. We enter the postseason now with confidence that we can execute and play with the best."

The Big South Conference shot-block leader, Akila Smith, dominated in the paint on both ends of the court. Smith finished with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing 14 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Smith added to her double-double performance with five blocks and two assists in the win. 

"In order to beat teams, I knew we needed to get rebounds," said sophomore Akila Smith. "My coaches told us that we needed people to rebound, so I took it upon myself to go out there and crash the boards as hard as I can and get what my team needs We were very focused today. The coaches gave us a great game plan, and we executed. We wanted to write history in the program's record book and have the opportunity to host the first round of the Big South Championship."

"Akila's progress as of late is critical to our success," added Tillett. "She can silently do a lot of damage on both ends of the floor, and she such is a good defender for us. She gives the team a lot of confidence going into the playoffs."

Joining Smith in double-figures but the Big South Conference-leading scorers, Kyla McMakin, and All-Big South forward, Dayna Rouse. McMakin matched Smith 16 points, leading the team from the free-throw line, converting 6-of-9 shots from the stripe. Rouse contributed to the win with 10 points and added six rebounds and two blocks to her double-digit performance. 


The Lancers finished the first half eight points apiece as Akila Smith added to her scoring performance with a dominating display of rebounding with 10 rebounds in the first half of play. Dayna Rouse and Kyla McMakin matched Smith with eight points, as Tra'Dayja Smith distributed four assists in the first half. Longwood finished entered the locker room with a six-point advantage over the Buccaneers, 35-29. 

After the break, Longwood continued to control the flow of the game as the Lancers extended their advantage over Charleston Southern to 11 points after the third quarter. Akila Smith continued her performance, adding six points in the quarter resulting in her second double-double of the season, leading the Lancers to a 63-52 victory. 


With all 20 Big South games finished, the Lancers will await their 2020 Hercules Tires Big South Championship opponent which will become official when the league office announces the bracket later this evening. This marks the first time in program history that the women's basketball program will host a Big South Championship game. 


"It was one of our team goals to host the first round," finished Tilett. "We wanted to break records, and our success as a team is a huge part of that. To be able to host the first round is incredible. We need community support. We need Longwood students and the Farmville community to pack the stands." 

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