FARMVILLE, Virginia – Redshirt senior guard
GiGi Smith led three UNCW players in double figures with a game-high 16 points, but Longwood held off a late comeback effort by the Seahawks to earn a 59-58 victory in non-conference women's basketball action at Willett Hall on Wednesday evening.
Â
The Lancers, who opened the season with losses against James Madison and Florida, improved to 1-2 on the season after earning their first-ever victory over the Seahawks. UNCW, meanwhile, dipped to 0-3 on the young campaign.
Â
Smith, who notched her third double-digit scoring effort of the season, made 6-of-12 shots from the floor, including a 2-for-3 effort from long range, while sinking 2-of-4 free throw tries. She also grabbed a game-high eight rebounds with three assists.
Â
Junior forward
Carol-Anne Obusek added a career-high 12 points while senior guard
Lacey Suggs provided 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field with a 4-for-5 showing at the free throw line.Â
Senior forward Dayna Rouse netted 16 points to lead Longwood, connecting on 5-of-7 field goal attempts in addition to all six of her free throws. Freshman guard Kyla McMakin contributed 14 points while junior guard Tra'Dayja Smith tallied a team-high eight rebounds.
Â
Key Moment: After UNCW scored seven straight points to trim its deficit to 59-58 with 2:31 remaining, senior guard
Ahyiona Vason's jumper in the closing seconds was blocked by McMakin to preserve the Lancers' one-point lead.
Â
Game Notes:
- UNCW stands at 0-3 for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign.
- Smith recorded the 46th double-digit scoring effort of her college career … She has reached double figures in 19 of her last 20 games, dating back to last season.
- Suggs authored the 36th double-digit scoring performance of her career after scoring a season-high 12 points.
- Obusek earned her first double-digit scoring game in a UNCW uniform … She eclipsed her previous career high of 10 points against UNCG on Dec. 30, 2016, when she was playing at High Point.
- The Seahawks outscored Longwood in the paint by a 30-26 margin.
- The Seahawks used their second different starting lineup of the season as redshirt junior Jessica Munoz earned her first start in a UNCW uniform … Munoz finished with six rebounds in 16 minutes.
Up Next: The Seahawks make their long-awaited regular season home debut on Saturday, Nov. 16, when they welcome South Carolina State to Trask Coliseum for a 2 p.m. matinee. Â Â Â
Â