Farmville, Va. – Brianna Lewis posted her third straight 20+ point game and Lillian Flantos collected a career-high eight rebounds Wednesday night as the Spartans fell to Longwood on the road. Upstate had two strong middle periods, but unfortunately the Lancers dominated the final frame and the Spartans could not recover.

After a quick start by the Lancers and a deficit of 17-8 at the end of the opening frame, the Spartans fought back to come within two points in the second quarter. Michaela Gibbons knocked down her first of three 3-pointers in the game just over two minutes into the period and sparked a quick run for the Spartans that brought them within four points before Lewis' 3-pointer with 2:22 remaining in the second quarter pulled Upstate with two points at 26-24. The Spartans entered the half down by four after trailing by 11 at the beginning of the frame.

Another Lewis trey cut Upstate's deficit to just one with 8:23 left in the third quarter and she took the first lead of the game for the Spartans with a jumper two minutes later. Gibbons hit another 3-pointer to put the Spartans up by four with 6:08 remaining, and Riley Popplewell knocked down four straight free throws for a five-point lead with just under three minutes remaining. Upstate led by two heading into the final quarter, but the Spartans were held to just five points in the frame
 
Notes
Upstate – Lewis led the Spartans with 21 points and has scored in double-figures in 10 straight games, including three consecutive 20+ point games. Popplewell posted double-digits in her third straight game with 15 points. She also had six rebounds and four steals. Flantos' career-high eight rebounds led the Spartans on the day. Herring contributed nine points and seven rebounds.

Longwood – Three Lancers scored in double-figures, led by Dayna Rouse with 27 points. She also pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double effort. Akila Smith pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds and also had four blocks. Kyla McMakin and Anne-Hamilton Leroy posted 20 and 10 points, respectively.

UP next for the Spartans
The Spartans round out the regular-season on Saturday with a matchup at Winthrop. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.

Tickets
Start at $8.00 (adults), $5.00 (ages 3-17); 864-503-7190 and upstatespartans.com/tickets.

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