The Longwood Lancers and the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Hytche Athletic Center. Longwood is currently 1-1 on the young season. The Lancers beat St. Mary’s MD in their last game. As for MD Eastern Shore, they’re currently 1-1 as well following a win over Cairn on Saturday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Pick Dawgz.
Longwood Lancers
The Lancers kicked off their 2023-24 campaign with a matchup versus St. Bonaventure last Monday. Longwood was down 35-30 going into the second half and couldn’t overcome the deficit in the end during a 73-69 defeat. Johnathan Massie led the team on 23 points, while both Szymon Zapala (20 points; 11 rebounds) and Michael Christmas (10 points; 11 rebounds) each doubled up.
Game two versus St. Mary’s MD went much better for the Lancers. After storming out to a 53-22 halftime lead, Longwood hit a 42-21 edge in the second for a 95-43 victory. Massie doubled up this time with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Elijah Tucker also scored 13 points with five boards in 16 minutes of work.
MD Eastern Shore Hawks
Over on the Maryland Eastern Shore side, they opened up their year with a game versus Temple on November 6. The Hawks scored just 23 points in the first half of that game and limped to an 85-65 loss. MD Eastern Shore shot a middling 34.8 percent from the field and 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from 3-point range in the defeat.
Back on Saturday versus Cairn, the Hawks were able to control the game and bag their first victory. MD Eastern Shore scored 45 points in the first half on the way to an 83-65 win. Devon Ellis led the way with his 16 points and eight rebounds. Chace Davis posted 12 points with three boards as well.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll just stick with Longwood in this one. You could make a case either way, though. The Lancers are coming off a nice performance versus an outmatched St. Mary’s MD team, shooting 49.3 percent from the field with a crazy 52-17 rebounding advantage. It was a nice bounce-back effort after a tepid opener versus St. Bonaventure; the Lancers shot just 39.3 percent from the field and 17.6 percent (3-of-17) from 3-point range in that loss.
As for MD Eastern Shore, they’re coming off a pretty easy win themselves. These teams should match up pretty well together, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a close finish here. Ultimately I think Longwood gets the cover in an entertaining game.
AUTHOR: Andrew Jett
