WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Redshirt junior guard GiGi Smith scored a game-high 12 points, including a three-pointer with 1:36 remaining, and added a career-high eight rebounds as UNCW held off Longwood to earn a 35-33 non-conference victory inside Trask Coliseum on Friday evening.
 
The win allowed the Seahawks to remain unbeaten in five games on their home floor this season while upping their record to 6-4. Longwood, meanwhile, fell to 1-8 after dropping its sixth straight game.
 
Smith, the lone player to score in double figures, netted 7 of her 12 points in the second half to lead the Seahawks. She also added four steals while playing 39 minutes.
 
Redshirt senior guard Shrita Parker contributed nine points with four assists while junior guard Lacey Suggs chipped in seven points with six rebounds.
 
Senior Kristina Antonenko and sophomore Stephanie Guihon each tallied eight points to pace the Lancers while sophomore Mallory Odell grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
 
Key Moment: In a game that featured eight ties and 14 lead changes, it was Smith's three-pointer with 1:36 remaining that gave the Seahawks a 34-33 lead they did not relinquish. The Seahawks forced a turnover on Longwood's ensuing possession and Parker made 1-of-2 free throws with 10 seconds left to seal the victory.  
Up Next: UNCW puts the finishing touches on its non-conference schedule on Sunday, Dec. 30, when the Seahawks visit East Carolina for a 2 p.m. matinee.

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