Unleashing Defensive Prowess at the Paradise Jam

Opening Tip: A Battle of Past and Present

The Lancers will face UAB in the first game of the tournament. UAB won the American Athletic Conference title last season and is favored to do so again this year with Yaxel Lendeborg as the preseason Player of the Year. Longwood, on the other hand, is part of a field that includes three other NCAA Tournament teams. Their 5-0 start is a program first since 2000-01 and marks the fifth time they have been 4-1 or better under head coach Griff Aldrich.

Last time out, Longwood's defense was on point. Down 35-33 at halftime against Binghamton, they held the opponent to just 25 points in the second half and earned their first true road win. KJ McClurg and Michael Christmas combined for 34 points, with McClurg leading the team with 20. Their grit and hustle on both ends of the court were key to the victory.

Defense: A Force to be Reckoned With

Longwood's defense has been a dominant force this season. They have held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 30 points after halftime and have limited teams to sub-30 percent three-point shooting in four straight games. Their defense leads the Big South in fewest points allowed per game (53.2) and ranks 51st in the nation. They are second in field goal percentage defense (.407) and first in three-point percentage defense (27.3). Their +3.0 turnover margin is also tops in the Big South, forcing 16.4 turnovers per game (second in the league and 52nd nationally).

This defensive prowess has propelled Longwood to a 5-0 start, with their nine combined wins tying for the most in the Commonwealth. Offensively, they generate points from the free throw line, shooting at least 20 free throws in every game and averaging 31.8 attempts per game, which is the top mark in the Big South and eighth-best nationally. KJ McClurg is in the top 10 nationally in both free throw attempts (ninth-44) and makes (seventh-34).

Series History: A One-Sided Encounter

The two teams last played in 1986, with UAB winning 83-49 on a neutral court in Houston. Since then, Longwood has been looking to turn the tide. This game presents an opportunity for them to prove themselves and start a new chapter in their series history.

Stats Comparison: A Clash of Styles

When comparing stats, Longwood and UAB have some differences. Longwood averages 73.8 points per game while UAB scores 83.2. On the defensive end, Longwood allows 63.6 points per game compared to UAB's 71. Longwood's rebounding margin of +5.8 is slightly lower than UAB's +9.4, but their field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense are stronger.

As Longwood enters the Paradise Jam, they will be looking to build on their success and make a statement. With their defense as their strength, they have the potential to go far in the tournament and leave a lasting impression.