Longwood's high-powered offense was on full display as they cruised to an 86-66 victory over Gardner-Webb at Paul Porter Arena. The Lancers' 20-point win was fueled by Johan Nziemi's impressive 20-point performance, which set the tone for the rest of the game. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Longwood winning by 12.9 points, and they exceeded that margin with ease, outscoring Gardner-Webb by 20 points.
The first half was a one-sided affair, with Longwood racing out to a 44-35 lead at the break. Gardner-Webb's Jamias Ferere tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to slow down the Lancers' potent attack. Longwood's balanced offense saw three players score in double figures, with Elijah Tucker adding 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Jacoi Hutchinson chipping in with 15 points and 7 rebounds.
The second half was more of the same, as Longwood continued to pull away from Gardner-Webb. The Lancers' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Nziemi and company moving the ball effectively and finding open shots. Gardner-Webb, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm, with Ferere and DJ Jefferson being the only notable exceptions. Jefferson scored 11 points, while Colin Hawkins also added 11 points, but it wasn't enough to mount a serious comeback.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The 20-point margin of victory was a reflection of Longwood's dominance, and it marked a successful outing for the Lancers. With this win, Longwood improves to 13-12 on the season, while Gardner-Webb falls to 3-21. The victory also solidifies Longwood's position in the mid-season rankings, with their current net ranking of 272 looking more secure.
In terms of resume implications, this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams. While the win won't significantly boost Longwood's tournament chances, it does help to pad their record and provides a confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the season. For Gardner-Webb, the loss is just another setback in a difficult season, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to turn things around. As it stands, Longwood's tournament chances remain on the periphery, but with a strong finish to the season, they could potentially play their way into consideration. For now, they will take the win and look to build on their momentum in their next outing.