Phillips' 23 points spark Longwood past D-III Averett, 81-57

FARMVILLE, Va. (AP) — Shabooty Phillips scored 23 points and Longwood pulled away from Division III neighbor Averett in the second half to take an 81-57 win Thursday night.

The victory keeps the Lancers perfect at home with five straight wins, the first time they have accomplished that feat since 1994-95, when they won their first seven at home. Their 8-4 start is the best in the program's 15-year Division I history.

Longwood held a four-point lead with just over a minute left in the first half, but Harrison Cochran scored at the basket and Raymond Bullock III added two free throws to get the Cougars even at the break, 34-34. Bullock hit a jumper to open the second half to put Averett up, but Phillips answered with a 3 and his 3 two minutes later sparked a 16-3 run that put the Lancers up, 55-42.

Damarion Geter added a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, for Longwood.

Cochran finished with 14 points for Averett.