FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood women's basketball fell to the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs by a score of 89-72 in Willett Hall's WBB finale. Three Lancers scored in double-digits, but Gardner-Webb's explosive offense helped them remain perfect in conference play.
 
Longwood Statistical Leaders
 
Points: Adriana Shipp-Davis (18)
Rebounds: Brooke Anya (10)
Assists: Chardonnay Hartley, Brooke Anya (3)
Steals: Brooke Anya (2)
 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
Riding a two-game winning streak, Longwood (8-20, 7-10) came out of the gates eager to match Gardner-Webb's (25-4, 17-0) intensity and continue their climb up the Big South standings. However, the Runnin' Bulldogs had other plans, putting on a dominant display of offense throughout the game. Gardner-Webb did an excellent job of distributing the wealth, as each of their starters scored nine points or more.

Although the Lancers did not come away with the victory, Longwood's offense was still able to eclipse their season and conference average. Three Lancers scored in double figures (Adriana Shipp-Davis 18, Anne-Hamilton LeRoy 15, Janay Turner 13) and Brooke Anya hauled in a season-high 10 rebounds.

The Lancers were within 14 points of the Runnin' Bulldog lead at the half, but a huge third quarter from Gardner-Webb helped give them a late push. Longwood outscored Gardner-Webb 22-15 in the fourth quarter, but it was all little too late. With only one game remaining in the Big South regular season, Longwood seems to be in a "win-and-in" this Saturday for a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
 

WHAT THEY SAID:
 
"Gardner-Webb is a very talented team, there's a reason they are 17-0," said head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery. "They exploited our defense in some areas and so we had to change up what we were doing defensively."

"All coaches and players know what's at stake this time of year," said Lang-Montgomery. "The idea is to work hard and peak in February so that you can have a great March."

"We know going on the road is something that we've got to be ready and prepared for, but they are also fighting for the same thing we are," said Lang-Montgomery ahead of Saturday's regular season finale against UNC Asheville. "It should be a really competitive and exciting game for both teams."
 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
 
Today's game marked the 27^th all-time Division-I matchup between the Lancers and the Runnin' Bulldogs. This is the first time that Gardner-Webb has swept the season series against Longwood since the 2017-18 season.
 
Longwood had three starters score in double-digits (Shipp-Davis 18, LeRoy 15, Turner 13).
 
Brooke Anya's 10 rebounds tied her season and career high.
 
Steph Davis tied her season high of eight points in the loss.
 
The Lancers shot 46.0% from the field, marking the third game in a row that Longwood has shot 40% or higher.
 
 
UP NEXT:
 
The Lancers conclude the Big South regular season on the road against UNC Asheville on Saturday, February 25^th. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. in Asheville.
 
Tickets for the Big South Championships in Charlotte, N.C. on March 1-5 are now available at this link!

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