Longwood Secures Narrow Victory Over Buffalo in Puerto Rico Clasico

BAYAMÓN, Puerto Rico — In a thrilling opening match of the Puerto Rico Clasico, the Longwood women’s basketball team triumphed over Buffalo with a final score of 68-64. The game, held at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum, showcased a fierce competition, with Longwood surging ahead to a 10-point lead before fending off a late rally from Buffalo.

Game Highlights

The first quarter saw Longwood establish an early advantage, concluding the period at 19-9. However, Buffalo rebounded strongly, entering halftime with a slight edge at 31-30. Longwood regained control in the third quarter, heading into the final period with a 51-47 lead.

Key Performances

Longwood improved its season record to 5-3, breaking a two-game losing streak with significant contributions from its players:

• Amor Harris: Led all scorers with 15 points.
• Jaci Bolden: Contributed 13 points.
• Jesstynie Scott: Added 11 points to the scoreboard.

Head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery praised her team’s determination, stating, “Really gutsy fight. Buffalo came out in the second quarter and picked up their intensity… We executed well enough to get the win.”

Late-Game Tension

With just over six minutes left, Longwood built a 61-51 advantage, but Buffalo responded with a sequence that cut the deficit to mere points. A pivotal play occurred when Anaya Coleman sank a three-pointer, moving Buffalo within four points at 65-61.

Longwood’s JaMya Robinson answered back decisively, scoring two points from a steal, further stabilizing her team’s position. In the closing moments, Buffalo mounted one final charge, narrowing the gap to 65-64, but free throws from Bolden and Harris sealed the victory for Longwood.

Statistical Overview

Longwood demonstrated commendable shooting accuracy, finishing the game with:

• 40.3% overall from the field.
• 50% from three-point range (6 out of 12).
• 75% from the free-throw line (12 out of 16).

Defensively, Longwood forced 28 turnovers, converting them into 23 points, while also enjoying a slight edge in fast-break points, 23-18. However, Buffalo dominated the boards, securing 43 rebounds to Longwood’s 31, significantly outpacing in offensive rebounds at 22.

Upcoming Game

Longwood will aim to build on this victory in their next matchup against Stephen F. Austin, who won their first game of the tournament against Hampton.