Longwood got 21 points from the smoldering Nate Lliteras in a 90-58 win over VMI in Friday’s JK54 Classic opener.
Lliteras managed his seven three-point attempts in 19 minutes on the Lancers bench (2-2).
“When I shot the first two I was just playing my game, but once I got about three or four I realized I felt it,” Lliteras said on his night out. career. “My dad taught me if I’m open, shoot it, if you’re open, shoot this thing, and that’s what I live for.”
DeShaun Wade had 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range, and DA Houston had five points and eight assists for Longwood, who opened the game on an 11-2 run and never trailed.
The Lancers shot 51.6 percent from the floor (33 of 64) and hit 17 of 39 from three.
“One of the things we’ve tried to emphasize with our lads is splitting the ball and driving for a teammate, and your shot will be created by offense,” said the Longwood coach, Griff Aldrich. “I think tonight they did an exceptional job. It showed in the 25 assists, which is nothing short of spectacular.
The Lancers continue to play the classic tomorrow at 5 p.m. as they take on Fairleigh Dickinson, immediately followed by VMI vs. SIUE.
All Classic games will be shown on ESPN+, and all Longwood games will be shown on WVHL 92.9 Kickin’ Country. Tickets are still available here.