Longwood University Athletics issued the following announcement on Dec. 29
After an eleven day break from playing games, Longwood came back strong from its most recent loss at home against American and dominated North Carolina A&T in its first ever Big South competition. The Lancers (4-8, 1-0 Big South) take the win back home to Virginia with a commanding victory 76-45 over the Aggies Saturday evening.
"We've been waiting for conference play," said senior forward Akila Smith. "I think we came out really aggressive, and the whole team contributed to the win tonight and it was great to get our first conference win."
Kyla McMakin and Akila Smith demonstrated their First-Team Big South status, combining for 51 of Longwood's 76 final points. Despite early foul trouble, McMakin found herself with 17 points after the first half alone, and 29 for the game, in a bounce-back performance after only scoring eight against American.
"Kyla and Akila both took what they needed to get better at after non-conference, and made it happen. Whether it was getting into the gym or watching more film, they thought very hard about what they needed to do, all while staying positive, so the next opportunity they would be better," said head coach Rebecca Tillett. "Tra'Dayja created so many easy opportunities for people tonight orchestrating our offense and together as a team we had 18 assists which is what we want to play like every day."
Smith added another double-double on the year cashing in 26 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. In the first half alone, Smith grabbed 15 points and three blocks, allowing the Lancers to get a steady lead going into half with a 19-9 run in the second quarter. Smith finished the game with seven blocks and three steals as part of a dominant defensive performance by the Lancers.
"Coming into this game, I had a different mindset of resetting from non-conference play and just try to be more aggressive," said Smith. "I know rebounding was something we struggle with, so I wanted to do that for the team. This time, getting a double-double and a team win it feels different, it feels really good being able to accomplish that and help my team get the win."
The Aggies (3-8, 0-1 Big South) were short three of their top scorers and their top rebounder in the game against the Lancers after receiving news Tuesday they would not be able to participate due to COVID-19 protocols. The forward duo of Kiana Adderton and Shayla Nelson stepped up for the Aggies in the paint and on the scoreboard, combining for 19 points and 17 of the teams 35 rebounds.
"We wanted the women to leave yesterday's practice with the joy we always strive to play with, and the reminder that North Carolina A&T is a really dangerous team," said Tillett. "They were down a couple players tonight, which is something I think we all are going to have to deal with at some point of the season, but I'm really proud of our women for keeping their focus with the distractions and find the way to be successful."
On the defensive side for the Lancers, rebounding has been a consistent focus for the team. Longwood outrebounded North Carolina A&T 43-35 as part of a locked-in defensive performance that pushed the Lancers ahead to earn themselves a commanding first win in conference play. The team combined for 43 rebounds, 12 steals, and 11 blocks, showcasing a well-rounded performance defensively. Four of those steals, paired with 10 points and 4 assists, came from freshman guard Kennedy Calhoun, making this her fifth game of the season with four or more steals in a game.
"Kenn, has continued to steadily increase her impact on the game," said Tillett. "Us coaches think defensively she's been making an impact every game this season, but for her to produce on both ends of the floor tonight was special."
"There were games in the non-conference where we let off the gas pedal, and everything we did then was all for right now in the Big South," said freshman guard Kennedy Calhoun. "We want to dominate and I think tonight you could tell that's what we wanted as a team tonight. Everything we have worked for so far has been for this moment, and the rest of the games to come."
This win snaps Longwood's six-game losing streak as conference play begins. The Lancers had the third-toughest non-conference schedule in the Big South, with the team growing in each of its first 11 games.
"Today was a lot about getting back to playing the way we want to play like," said Tillett. "Our Presbyterian games, are always close battles. Their coach and myself came in around the same time, so we're both trying to do some building in the program, so we're looking forward to a tight match up."
The Lancers are scheduled to be back in action this Saturday, New Year's Day, against the Presbyterian Blue Hose at 2 p.m. Presbyterian was unable to play its Big South opening game Wednesday night against USC Upstate due to a COVID-19 postponement. For the most information on Lancer basketball updates this season, check our social media or the HorsePower Fans App.
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