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2-17-2020

Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 16 - Feb 17, 2020

Longwood University

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Recommended Citation Longwood University, "Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 16 - Feb 17, 2020" (2020). Rotunda. 2248. https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda/2248

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Library, Special Collections, and Archives at Digital Commons @ Longwood University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Rotunda by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Longwood University. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. The ROTUNDA Midterms...since 1920

NEWS PAGE 3 In light of recent shooting, FPD opens anonymous tip-line

FEATURES PAGE 6 Post-its, blind dates with books for Love Your Library Month

SPORTS PAGE 10 MBB looks to bounce back FEBRUARY 17, 2020 and finish strong in BSC VOL 98. ISSUE 16 CARRIE BAILEY | FILE PHOTO 02 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com

In SGA EDITORIAL BOARD 2020

TJ WENGERT Officer presentations, editor-in-chief approval of new clubs ANGELI LEONG by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner managing editor n this week’s Student The clubs will now be allowed JEFF HALLIDAY, CLINT WRIGHT, ASHLEY Government Association to hold open houses and begin JONES & DR. ALEC HOSTERMAN I(SGA) meeting, President holding meetings. organizational advisers Haleigh Pannell, Executive In Open Forum, a Senators Sky Sweeney representative from Greenwood NEWS ROTUNDA STUDIOS and Shauna Smyre made Library came to invite all ALLISON TURNER ELLIE STUCK assistant editor staff presentations on their positions students to an event, the Library ADDIE CLARKE and two new clubs were Archives, on Monday, Feb. 17. A&E staff SUTTON REEKES approved. There will be an unveiling of JACOB DILANDRO staff editor In Special Orders of the Longwood Historic Portraits LIAM WELLS LEDANIEL JACKSON staff Day, Trisha Durbin, assistant and will include a speech staff JENN HALL RYAN CROW director of building operations from President Reveley and staff staff NICK LIONE and student activities for refreshments. It will be held at SAVANNA MAKINS staff staff Upchurch, came in to speak 3:30 p.m. in room 210 in the AIYSHANTI GREEN about the chords that are library. staff OPINIONS DYLAN MCKERCHER under the tables in the Wilson In the Advisers’ Report TAIYA JARRETT staff Chamber. with Dean Cheryl Steele assistant editor DAVINA APPLEWHITE LAYOUT She said that they will be and Dr. Tim Pierson, they staff LAUREN QUEZADA doing a weekly sweep to urged students to nominate social media staff assistant editor MASON VEST ensure that the chords do not people for the Citizen Leader SPORTS staff get dislodged. She also said Awards. There are awards for KURT MARTIN MELANIE LEWIS that if there are any issues or students, faculty and staff. The editor staff editor-in-chief pro-tempore concerns, then students should deadline will be March 9 and PATRICK SANDERSON PHOTO go to Upchurch Suite 200 and the ceremony will be held on staff TAYLOR O’BERRY NICK ROBINSON editor report them. April 19. staff JACOB PUTERKO SGA has officially started In the Treasurer’s Report staff their elections season, and with Samuel Torpy, Torpy EVENTS CARRIE BAILEY RENEE COTTON staff with that, Pannell and Sweeney announced that SFC is coordinator KC MCALLISTER and Smyre spoke about their changing its meeting time. It staff positions to the Senate. There will now be held at 4:30 p.m. on FEATURES JESSICA PAQUETTE staff will be presentations on each Thursdays instead of 3:30 p.m. VICTORIA THOMPSON SHANNON HENSHAW staff staff position in Senate throughout The next SGA meeting will JESSICA BOGGS the month of February. For be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 SOCIAL MEDIA staff MIRANDA FARLEY AMBER SYKES students that are interested in at 3:45 p.m. inside of the editor staff running for Senator, the Wilson Chamber at the TAYLOR JENNINGS assistant editor presentation will be held Upchurch University in Senate on Tuesday, Center. BUSINESS Feb. 25. IRIS HAMMOND manager In New Business, two clubs, the rock Chief Beach talks climbing club and about the Oak the running club, street shooting incident. FOLLOW US @longwood.rotunda were approved ON SOCIAL @longwoodrotunda by Senate. & MEDIA @rotundaphotos SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER http://tiny.cc/longwoodrotundaonline SHANNON HENSHAW | THE ROTUNDA FEB. 17, 2020 NEWS 03 The events from this semester have caused Schubring to become more aware of her surroundings and feelings FPD searches for of un-safeness when walking around by herself, she said. “I just feel like I cannot let my guard answers after shooting down as much as I would, or used to,” by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14 said Schubring. he third gun-related incident that the scene was secure and normal With these incidents happening in the in the Town of Farmville activities could be resumed. succession of months, Ellington said T within the past three months According to Student Body the growing trend of shots fired calls is took place on Friday, February 7, as president Haleigh Pannell and “certainly very troublesome” and asks the Longwood University community confirmed by Assistant Vice President for residents of the Town of Farmville was alerted of a report of shots fired on of Communications Matthew to be vigilant and not be afraid to report Oak Street near the Centra Southside McWilliams, one of the shots that were an instance if it seems out of place. Community Hospital at 3:16 p.m. fired struck a house that students were In a new outlet for any with The previous two events, which law renting, and while no one was injured, information to report, Ellington said enforcement believe to be connected, those students have been relocated as a FPD has recently purchased a tip- took place on Dec. 16 at the Days result. line through an application called Inn Hotel in Farmville, and after Pannell, who said she lives on Oak “TIP411”, where information, such as that on Jan. 12 at the McDonalds in Street, said, “Obviously it is very scary videos and pictures, can be reported town. A reward was placed out for the moment that it happened, and to and be 100 percent anonymous. The information leading to the arrest of have three gun incidents in the same application should be up and running those responsible on Jan. 21, which was semester is a lot, you know. But I am glad soon, according to Ellington. announced in a press conference with everyone is okay and I saw the tape that “I am very excited with this app multiple members of law enforcement they had put off to bring up the section because I think, right now, we have a present. Authorities are still searching and Farmville PD and Longwood PD disconnection with the underground, for the suspects responsible for these working together on the whole thing. so to speak, and people are scared shootings, according to Farmville So I’m glad it got resolved quickly, but to come forward with information,” Chief of Police Andy Ellington. it was definitely scary.” said Ellington. “But this is totally Ellington said this most recent Allison Schubring, a junior at anonymous, we have no idea who incident on Oak Street could possibly Longwood, said she had just returned it is, all we see is a number. So we’re be connected to the previous two, to her home after class only to be hoping that this is going to open a but it is purely speculation as the startled by the sound of gunshots. communication line for us to gather a investigation is still ongoing into the “I was just getting inside of my lot of information.” matter and there is no evidence that bedroom window that faces Ellington said there is no way to not links the crimes directly. t h e consider these events as being gang “As far as we can tell right now, front related with the amount of shots that our investigation o f have been fired. has determined “When you get that number of people, that it was two Grove Street and and two different sides, unfortunately male subjects, CARRIE BAILEY | THE ROTUNDA all of the sudden I hear ‘pop, pop, I don’t think you can tag it with two black males, pop’ and immediately go to the anything else but,” said Ellington. “It’s that allegedly were arguing in the window and less than 30 seconds unacceptable, and we’re not going to back parking lot (behind the units later see this guy walk from tolerate it. One way or another we’re of the 100th Block of Oak Street),” behind the house across the street going to get to the bottom of it.” said Ellington. “At some point, there from me and walk towards the However, he did say that the level became distance between them and street, across the street and then being dealt with in the Town of which one of the individuals, we can’t he starts jogging and he’s jogging Farmville is much lower than those determine which one, ultimately pulled down what looks like past Grove of the bigger cities as these suspected a firearm and then shots were fired.” Street Park,” said Schubring. groups are less organized and are not Ellington said both suspects, She continued, “He looked as well driven from the inside. These allegedly, then ran in opposite like he was trying to hide back are groups of people who come into directions, and several minutes later an behind my house on Grove Street contact, get into confrontations and it individual was detained at the Centra just kind of in the area that’s like will then escalate quickly and possibly Southside Community Hospital. The wooded, it’s like bush, it’s kind of turn violent, according to Ellington. individual was “very belligerent and a protected area, like it looked like Ellington said evidence from all three uncooperative” to law enforcement, he was probably going to go hide.” incidents has been sent off to forensic according to Ellington. She said herself and her labs to analyze, but could take “two to Due to the behavior of the suspect, roommates continued to look out three months” to get any returns. there is no known motive for the of the window to monitor where The backlog of cases that get sent incident, per Ellington. the person was going until “within to the laboratories is the cause of the The campus community was notified five minutes” when police arrived lengthy time frame of getting the just under an hour later at 4:06 p.m. on the scene. results back, according to Ellington. 04 NEWS TheRotundaOnline.com

COURTESY OF FACES FOOD PANTRY

F.A.C.E.S. opens for distribution at new location by Allison Turner | Assistant News Editor | @allisonkturner

armville’s local food pantry, well as purchasing new coolers, freezers amount of space we have,” she said. F.A.C.E.S., has officially and food. Hight also added that they are F relocated to a new space as of “We try to distribute high quality food always looking for new volunteers, December 2019 after a multi-year and products, so proper refrigeration and encourages students to come help. process. The food pantry, which has is crucial, which we lacked in our old F.A.C.E.S. bags all of the meals on been in Farmville since 1981, is now building,” Sedgwick said. Thursday afternoons at 4 p.m., and located at 482 Commerce Road by the F.A.C.E.S. volunteer Sheila Hight then distributes to families on Saturday YMCA. also added that the amount of space mornings at 8 a.m. Students who are F.A.C.E.S. President Ellery Sedgwick they have now has helped them make interested are encouraged to volunteer. said that the move has been in talks for distribution run smoother for everyone To learn more about F.A.C.E.S. over five years, and has taken about that involved. and what you can do to help, email time to get everything finalized. They “The new location is working out [email protected] or call (434) moved over Thanksgiving break and had better than the old one in terms of the 392-6277. their first distribution on Dec. 12. “The last building was a decaying oil storage facility and flooded three times in the last year,” Sedgwick said. He added that the building was too small for what they needed, and because of that, distribution occurred both indoors and outdoors, which Sedgwick noted was hard during the winter months. Sedgwick also said that the move could not have been possible without the grant they received from Feedmore, the Central Virginia Food Bank. The bank created a five-year plan to increase distribution in rural areas, such as Farmville, which included giving F.A.C.E.S. a $400,000 grant if they could match it. The grant went towards building their new location completely from scratch, as TAYLOR O'BERRY | THE ROTUNDA FEB. 17, 2020 FEATURES 05 New Minor coming to Longwood University by Valerie Mitchell | Contributor | @longwoodrotunda udrey Clingenpel is a junior who were the reason we created this minor.” will make every Longwood student into upon coming to Longwood Longwood faculty Dr. Larissa being a citizen leader in the long run, A was very interested in taking Smith, Professor David Magill, Dr. who will be able to communicate with classes that focused on diversity, but was Scott Grether, Dr. Spencer Tricker, people from all different backgrounds.” disappointed to find that Longwood did Dr. Shayla Betts, Dr. Jesse Goldberg Grether, an assistant professor of not have any classes on that topic. and faculty scholar Hannah Dudley sociology at Longwood, is assisting the Clingenpel was confused as to why Shotwell are coming together to make creation of the minor. Longwood did not offer any diversity sure they jump through all the correct “Part of my training as a sociologist is classes. Luckily for her, this August, hoops so that their goal of having this in racial inequality (and) inequality in she will be able to begin classes that are available in August is accomplished. general. My master's thesis was related a part of the new Race and Ethnicity Andrea Dogbo is a Communication to racial inequality in family life,” stated Study minor coming to Longwood. Studies major and is the vice president Grether on why he wanted to be a part Starting in the Fall 2020 semester, of the WeForShe organization. Dogbo of this initiative. Longwood will be piloting some classes thinks bringing this minor to campus This coming August, a class that will for the new minor. David Magill, would be a great idea. be piloted is a Sociology of Race and professor of literatures of diversity, has “There have been many efforts to get Ethnicity course and will be taught by been facilitating making this minor a minority students to come to Longwood Grether. This course is going to focus on possibility. and I think that would be a good start," racial inequality using data. When asking why this minor was Dogbo said. created, Magill stated that, “Students She also stated, “I genuinely feel it

COURTESY OF LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY 06 FEATURES TheRotundaOnline.com Greenwood Library celebrates Love Your Library Month by Victoria Thompson | Features Staff | @longwoodrotunda hen most people think of As the years have gone by, the library helps since reading over the post-it the month of February, they has added a couple more activities notes can be encouraging because staff W think of red and pink heart for students to show their love for and student workers can feel important. decorations adorning every other room the library in a new variety of ways. It’s kind of fun to see what [the students] and sugary, heart-melting Hallmark Greenwood had crayons, markers and really do love about the library. Every cards to give to a loved one. People construction paper set out for students year, we have had enough post-it notes also tend to make the assumption that to design their own valentine cards to filled out to spell the word ‘love’ in Valentine’s Day can only be celebrated give to their loved ones, a well-known giant letters; enough supplies have gone by couples who have love for their popular tradition for this holiday that quickly. I started with 400 stickers [for significant others, which is not the case was added to the Love Your Library decorating Valentine cards], and now here at Longwood University. Students activities last year. they’re pretty much all gone.” at Longwood had the chance to show In addition to making your own After all, if it weren’t for the some of their Valentine’s Day love on Valentine cards and library-loving Greenwood Library, Longwood campus this past week. post-it notes, the most unique activity students would not have a completely During the week of Valentine’s holiday, that Greenwood offered involved going quiet place to study for their upcoming Feb. 9 through Feb. 15 Greenwood on a blind date with a book. The way quizzes and exams. Without the Library celebrated Love Your Library the activity works is there are books set online databases and vast collection of Month, which also happens to be out wrapped up in paper with a quote books, students would have a far more February; the staff had three special and a couple words describing a hint difficult time getting research papers activities revolving around the typical of what the book is. Students could accomplished as well. Valentine’s Day festivities mixed with pick out a book, check it out from the Thankfully, the Greenwood Library love for the library. Students could library, and then decide whether or staff always helps students and faculty write a love post-it note to the library, not they love the book that they chose, on campus in any way they can. In fact, create a Valentine’s Day card, or go on a hence the blind date aspect of it all. The different members of the Greenwood blind date with a book. Love Your Library celebration also had Library Staff are located on the second When asked how the Love Your a raffle with a prize that is yet to be floor of the Upchurch University Library celebration event got started, determined. Center on Mondays, Tuesdays and Vicki Palmer, the Marketing and Since the Greenwood Library is Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. for the Outreach Librarian of Greenwood a common, fundamental part of purpose of helping students with Library, stated, “So I started the event Longwood’s campus, it can be easy to research. in January or February of 2014. We take something valuable for granted The Love Your Library Month started by doing the post-it notes about when it has always been there. However, celebration helps students give back what people loved about the library and the dedication that the Greenwood to the library by participating in the putting them up and spelling ‘love’ on Library staff gives to the students creative activities they set out year after the windows. I usually leave the post it's cannot go unnoticed. year, so remember that Valentine’s Day up for a week before I take them down.” Palmer also said, “I think this event means love can be given to anyone.

JESSICA PAQUETTE | THE ROTUNDA

Greenwood Library had activities set up in the lobby for students to doing during the week of Valentine's Day. The activities included a whiteboard and sticky note station where you can write what you love most as well as a make-a-valentine station. FEB. 17, 2020 A&E 07

ALBUM REVIEW

COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS. Roddy Rich comes out of his shell in "Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial" by LeDaniel Jackson | A&E Staff | @xidjoeker500 oddy Rich is a rapper from Gunna where they both discuss how performances. Vocally Rich meshes Compton, California that has the cops should not start a conflict with perfectly with the beat as well providing R collaborated with artists such them. Rich and Gunna have really a cushion for Meek Mill and the hook. as Nipsey Hussle and Meek Mill. good chemistry together especially Mill’s verse is solid with aggressive Roddy Rich started to get recognition when they trade verses with each other. delivery and versatile flow. However, when he appeared on last year’s XXL Production-wise the beat flows very his hook on the song was unnecessary Freshman Cover. Now Roddy Rich well with some nice flute playing in the and should have been done by Rich. releases “Please Excuse Me for Being background. “Boom Boom Room” where Rich Antisocial” which is his debut album, “Moonwalking” features Rich and Lil focuses on the famous NYC Night with features such as Gunna, Meek Durk discussing their complications Club. The production provides a similar Mill and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. with different women. Both artists pattern like “Big Stepper” which can “Intro” starts the album with Rich provide decent performances with Lil sound very repetitive. Rich is decent harmonizing over a piano solo while Durk not enhancing the song at all. on the track with his melodic voice and discussing his previous jobs before he Rich gives an okay performance vocally, witty lyrics. became a successful rapper. Rich does however his lyricism does improve on “High Fashion” is the second an amazing job vocally while matching the song when he starts to discuss his collaboration with famous producer DJ the energy of the song. Lyrically Rich personal story. Mustard. The production is very laid is average especially with lyrics such “Big Stepper” is first single on the back on the song with a chill trap beat. as “Put my **** inside like it’s crest album with Rich discussing his Rich’s flow is impressive on the song toothpaste.” “Intro” starts off the album career and how he became successful. especially when he delivers the hook. nicely and it leads perfectly into “The Lyrically Rich is impressive when Overall “Please Excuse Me for Being Box”. describing his story from his younger Antisocial” is a great debut album for “The Box” is the most popular song years to even now. The production is Roddy Rich. His vocals and his ear for on this album with it receiving over 68 similar to “Moonwalking” which is beats shine on the album. However, million streams. Rich talks about his disappointing since Rich gives one of some of the songs do get repetitive and recent troubles with the law. Rich is his best performances here. Rich’s voice can sound annoying at very impressive with his melodic voice “Peta” is one of the best songs on the some points. and versatile flow. The production while album with Rich and Meek Mill talk decent sounds very good with some big about designer fur coats. While the speakers. subject matter is lacking on the track, 3.5/5 “Star wit Me” features popular rapper Rich and Meek Mill give some great AAAA 08 A&E TheRotundaOnline.com THE REEL LIFE Movie reviews by Jacob DiLandro | A&E Editor | @spongejay1

onic has had quite a few ups, through each line, dripping with expected for a downs, and loop-de-loops over cartoony menace, makes his moments film like this, S the past 29 years, and the official the most manic moments of the film. are shockingly first design of his film version definitely He’s also the perfect encapsulation of obvious. An early ranks up there with the biggest missteps the film as a whole. mention of Zillow of the franchise. However, thanks to Because while the characters are seems innocuous enough, but then a quick redesign and a more faithful nailed and the re-design works oh so multiple mentions of Olive Garden are approach to the character, he actually well, the film’s humor has some hits so bizarrely in your face that they border seems to physically resemble the and just a few misses while the plot is on parody. Thankfully, these moments speedster beloved by all. Thankfully, shockingly cliched. That’s not to say are in the minority. the similarities to the iconic character that the mere presence of a character as It’s the individual scenes and sequences are more than just physical. charming as Sonic necessitates Oscar of humor within that plot are where Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation,” worthy material, but the the film excels, but it’s hard to ignore “This Is Where I Leave something so You”) delivers a recycled from fun and energetic other family version of the films of better blue blur that is and worse quality. right on par with The jokes here are the 90’s cartoons good, with only a and video games. few groan worthy He has a wit as lines here and there. It quick as his feet isn’t Shakespeare and it and a childish definitely has its fair share personality that PHOTO COURTESY OF ORIGINAL FILM, MARZA ANIMATION PLANET, BLUR of fart and “meme” gags, but feels right at home STUDIO, SEGA SAMMY GROUP, AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES. it’s hard not to smile at the childlike with the character. silliness that is at the core of the The small changes, like the more un-originality of the plot delivered film. outsider personality, fit snuggly into by writers Patrick Casey (“Golan The This is the perfect example of a film the characterization that Sega has been Insatiable”) and Josh Miller (“Golan for the fans. If you’ve ever played a perfecting for decades. the Insatiable”) is genuinely surprising. Sonic game or consider the character to He really is so easy to love, and his While the action never disappoints be a part of your childhood, then you charming characterization is the and the scenes where Sonic lets loose are won’t be disappointed here. Director big fat beating heart of the entire an absolute blast, the tale of a loner who Jeff Fowler (“Gopher Broke”) and the film. Meanwhile James Marsden wants to fit in, find a friend, and teaches writers have done an excellent job (“Westworld,” “X-Men”) proves that, his reluctant sidekick something about translating the attitude of this character despite his previous attempts, the family is incredibly redundant. There to the big screen, and while it isn’t very human sidekick in this sub-genre of CG are also moments of product placement original, it’ll satisfy fans young and creature and human duo road trip films that, while old alike. Meanwhile, if you’ve never doesn’t have to suck. touched a Genesis and think a Chaos He’s earnest and means well, and Emerald is some kind of drug, this isn’t thankfully is never shown to be an the movie for you. idiot. The same goes for his wife, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a burst of played by Tika Sumpter (“Get On silly energy carried by some energetic Up,” “Gossip Girl”). While their screen performances and a sense of childlike time together is brief it shows how easy humor and speed. While its plot is it is for a film to avoid making the shockingly unoriginal at times and human characters so annoying; the humor isn’t always consistent, it make it seem like they actually nails who this character is and why so enjoy being around each other. many people love him. It’s a delightful And who could possibly forget adventure for those who hold the blue about Jim Carrey (“Ace Ventura Pet blur close to their hearts. It’s hard to Detective,” “The Truman Show”) as ask for more than that. Doctor Ivan Robotnik. This whizbang maniacal doctor is without a doubt the best character in the film outside of Sonic. The way in which he beams /5 FEB. 17, 2020 SPORTS 09

JESSICA BOGGS | THE ROTUNDA

Women’s Basketball looks to regain momentum as Big South Conference tournament nears by Nick Robinson | Sports Staff | @longwoodrotunda

Head coach Rebecca Tillett draws up adjustments for her team in their recent 90-76 loss to Hampton.

eading into the week, the single second remaining on the clock, defense translated to offense. It was women’s basketball team was sealing the Lancers’ fate with a final really my teammates putting me in the H coming off a tough overtime score of 73-70. right position," said Smith. loss to Presbyterian, and looking to “There’s still a lot of season left. Next up for the team was the Hampton bounce back with a road trip to Boiling Sometimes, close losses hurt more than Lady Pirates, a team that had beaten Springs, North Carolina, to take on other losses," said Tillett. "We take them 72-55 in their previous matchup, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, some positive that we are right there who made the trip to Willett Hall. a team that they had defeated in their with everybody in this league. We’re Unfortunately for the Lancers, history conference opener by a score of 80-70 getting to a point where we’re building repeated itself as 18 turnovers and a back on December 28. momentum towards the postseason.” 31-point performance from Hampton’s The game started with the Lancers This game and the Presbyterian game Laren Vanarsdale put the road team having to play catch-up, trailing by were lost by a combined eight points. ahead early and often. as many as 13 points in the second Tillett added, “We’ve shown that we can A fourth quarter rally and the third quarter. However, late in the second, come back in games. We are working on double-double of the season from Kyla junior guard Allysah ‘Cookie’ Booth improving our decision-making. We’ve McMakin (18 pts, 11 rbs) did not prove and freshman guard Kyla McMakin probably played more close games than to be enough as the Lancers dropped combined for 10 points in the final anyone else in the league, so when we their third straight, 90-76. However, five minutes of the quarter to cut the get into the postseason, and it’s time, Akila Smith did have an outstanding Runnin’ Bulldogs’ lead to only seven we’re gonna have a ton of experience.” performance on the defensive end with points at halftime. The team then came The game was so close due in-part to eight blocks and junior transfer guard out of the locker room on fire, going on a career performance from sophomore Tra'Dayja Smith finished with a team an 18-4 run and leading by as much as forward Akila Smith. Smith achieved high 19 points. nine points late in the third quarter. her first collegiate double-double by The Lancers now sit in 8th place in the The Runnin’ Bulldogs then rallied racking up 12 points and 12 rebounds. Big South Conference, which would, in the fourth, taking a two-point lead Smith said, “It felt good because my at the moment, allow them to host a with under a minute to go. Then, with coaches really pushed me and I worked playoff game inside of Willett Hall. 12 seconds remaining, senior forward hard for it. It was a big accomplishment Next up for the women’s basketball Dayna Rouse made a basket to even the for me, but we didn’t get the win so it team is a date with in-state rival score at 70. The game seemed destined was still kind of disappointing.” In the Radford on Tuesday, followed by a road- for overtime, but unfortunately for past, Smith had been known for her trip to Campbell before finally returning Longwood, Gardner-Webb’s Savannah defense and rebounding skill. In this to Willett Hall to face the Winthrop Plentovich had other plans. Plentovich game, she finally broke out on offense, Eagles on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m. nailed a three-pointer with just over a going 6-of-10 from the floor. “My 10 SPORTS TheRotundaOnline.com

CARREY BAILEY | FILE PHOTO FEB. 17, 2020 SPORTS 11 MBB: 'Pouring into the root' and the keys to salvaging a once lost season Finish line in sights, Lancers heating up at the right time by Patrick Sanderson | Sports Staff | @psanderson20

or Longwood men’s basketball head UMBC, did not have this level of parity. guard Juan Munoz, who is averaging 14.8 coach Griff Aldrich, it’s not about This year, what I would say is I think (like points-per-game in conference play and F how you start, it’s about how you last year) there is an incredible amount of senior forward JaShaun Smith, the fourth- finish – and his Lancers seem to be heating parity, though I do think Winthrop and year veteran leader, are just a sample of the up when it matters most. Radford have separated themselves, and recent successes the Lancers have enjoyed. The Lancers sit ninth in the conference Winthrop probably quite considerably,” Not to mention, Smith, with a layup in at 6-9 with a chance to host their first Big Aldrich said. “I think on any given night the first 14 seconds of their Feb. 6 game South postseason game in program history. you can beat anybody, some teams you’d against Charleston Southern, reached the After starting the year 8-15 overall and have to play really well, but for the vast 1,000-point plateau, becoming the 23rd falling to 1-6 in the conference standings in majority of the conference, I think every player in program history to reach the early February, Aldrich put responsibility game is going to be highly contested.” mark. on himself for the way the season had been A portion of why the Lancers have When Munoz went down hard on his side going. bounced back from a 1-6 conference start late against Winthrop and was held out “It’s been a challenging year because I can be attributed to their defense which against Campbell last week, Aldrich relied think in many respects, because number boasts the third-best scoring defense in the on freshman guard Heru Bligen to fill the one, there’s a lot of newcomers and new Big South, allowing 69.7 points-per-game shoes - and he had no problem doing so. faces, but (we) have six returners who and additionally forces 15.1 turnovers per Bligen came up with some of the biggest play key roles,” Aldrich said prior to the game, which is also good for third in the plays of the game in their win, including win over Charleston Southern on Feb. 6. conference. On the flip side, their offense stops on Campbell's final two possessions. “I think this is a team that probably did has had their fair share of troubles, having Bligen said he’s noticed a change in the not progress as quickly as we all would struggled to move the ball effectively and team’s approach to games recently as well, have hoped, and I take responsibility for run through their motions. keeping faith as March approaches. that. It’s a team that the understanding “Some of it (falls on) the execution on “(Aldrich) emphasizes purpose, us being of our principles and what we’re trying to the details, and making shots hides a lot connected and just execution. So, if we do accomplish schematically and strategically of flaws. What we really focus on a lot that and keep pouring into the root, we’ll I think has progressively been getting both offensively and defensively is less of eventually get better each and every day. better throughout the season.” whether the ball goes in and much more And that shows on the court.” The results since then have backed this of ‘did we run our offense the right way?’” ‘Pouring into the root’ – a saying Aldrich up, as the Lancers have won four out of Aldrich said. has drilled into his team to encapsulate seven games including a gut-wrenching This is where game film becomes a coaches the ongoing growth of their on-court loss to Winthrop on Feb. 8 and a down- best friend, as himself and his staff will look performances. This, along with a few to-the-wire win over Campbell on Feb. 10. at game tape and grade each possession on elements of on-court control, sums up the Three of their last four games have been a one-to-four scale; one being very poor play style the Lancers are sharpening to decided by one possession. and four being exactly how they want to salvage a roller coaster season only weeks However, coming out of their performance run their offense. However, in games where away from ending. against Winthrop where the Lancers were the team takes high percentage looks after “We talk about pouring into the root a unable to get a potential game-winning running a smooth offensive possession but lot – you can control your effort, you can shot off on the final possession, those are unsuccessful, Aldrich saw it translate control your focus and you can control your in attendance wouldn’t have guessed over to their defensive possession. attitude. Those are the three things you Winthrop was unbeaten and came into “When you’re not making shots, how can control; you can’t control whether the Willett Hall on a 13-game win streak. does that impact your energy and effort on ball goes in or not,” Aldrich said. “If we Only three wins separate third place and the defensive end? And that’s a problem are doing those things, I can live with the last place in the Big South, as Winthrop that teams throughout the country have,” results because we will be playing to the and Radford have all but locked up Aldrich said. “I think that’s something best of our ability every day and will be the top two seeds in the conference we’ve got a lot better at more recently.” controlling what we can control. When we tournament. Aldrich spoke highly of the The energy and effort Aldrich referred to don’t do those things, that’s the problem.” competitiveness in the Big South and even has shown out in their recent performances The Lancers will have their next chance tabbed Winthrop as being one of the best as the Lancers, even when falling behind to move toward hosting a playoff game mid-major programs he’s coached against double-digits, have found a fight in them on Thursday as they will travel to USC in his career. which was rare in the first half of the season. Upstate and take on the Spartans. “The America East, when I was at Contributions from redshirt sophomore

Left: Redshirt sophomore guard Juan Munoz charges down the court in the Lancers' 71-63 victory over Charleston Southern on Feb. 6. Since then, the team has even split their last four games and is poised to host their first ever Big South postseason game inside of Willett Hall. Join The Rotunda on Mondays @ 5:30pm in Upchurch 204, across from Starbucks