The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Wiggins Scores 19 as Old Dominion Rallies Past Longwood, 80-74
By Piper Rampage
NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion erased a seven-point halftime deficit and closed with a 10-4 run to defeat Longwood 80-74 at Chartway Arena, improving to 5-0. The Monarchs entered the game 4-0, while Longwood fell to 3-2 after opening the season 3-1.
Zacch Wiggins led Old Dominion with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists, shooting 6-of-16 from the field. Bubu Benjamin added 18 points and five rebounds, making 7 of 16 shots, including 4-of-9 from three-point range. Adante’ Holiman finished with 16 points, shooting 4-of-10 overall, 4-of-9 from three and a perfect 4-of-4 at the free-throw line.
Longwood was led by MJ Williams, who scored 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting and made four of seven three-point attempts. Jaylen Benard contributed 17 points and seven rebounds, while Alphonzo Billups III added 13 points.
Longwood controlled the opening half, scoring 41 points to Old Dominion’s 34 and carrying a 41-34 lead into the break. The Monarchs reversed that margin in the second half, scoring 46 points while holding the Lancers to 33.
The game remained close into the final minutes. Longwood still held a 71-70 advantage with 2:41 remaining, leaving Old Dominion needing a late response to complete the comeback.
The Monarchs delivered with a 10-4 closing run. Old Dominion moved ahead 76-72 with 40 seconds left and maintained the advantage through the finish, securing the six-point victory.
The second-half scoring difference proved decisive. Old Dominion’s 46 points after halftime overcame Longwood’s seven-point cushion, while the Monarchs’ late run turned a one-point deficit into a six-point final margin.
Wiggins’ 19 points led the Old Dominion scoring effort, with Benjamin close behind at 18 and Holiman adding 16. Longwood had three players reach double figures, led by Williams’ 19.
The win kept Old Dominion unbeaten through five games and sent Longwood to its second loss of the season. After trailing by seven at halftime and by one with less than three minutes remaining, the Monarchs finished with the final push to take an 80-74 decision at Chartway Arena.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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