You can catch our initial Longwood primer from prior to the teams’ first meeting.

The Lancers defeated Liberty in the teams’ initial meeting this season, 69-66, on January 22nd in Farmville, Virginia. Can the Flames return the favor en route to their 2nd consecutive win? Here are 5 things to consider for the rematch.

1. Since the previous meeting, both teams have struggled. Both Longwood and Liberty are 2-7 since the teams’ previous meeting. The Lancers have lost 7 of their past 8, with their only win coming against Campbell. Longwood is 3-11 on the road this season including a 2-5 mark on the road in conference play.

2. The Flames led most of the way in the first meeting, and were up by 5 with less than 4 minutes to play. Liberty was unable to hold on to the lead, as the Lancers closed the game on an 11-3 run in the final minutes.

Woodhouse willed the Lancers to victory over the Flames in January

3. Lucas Woodhouse was a one-man wrecking crew in the teams’ first meeting. The point guard scored 27 points on 7-of-10 3-pointers. Woodhouse hit 3 3-pointers in the final 3 minutes which ultimately gave the Lancers the win. He is averaging 11 points and 7 assists per game this season.

4. Tristan Carey is one of the most explosive offensive players in the Big South. Carey averages 18.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He was plagued by early foul trouble against Liberty back in January, finishing with a disappointing 7 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

5. Is this a rivalry game? Ask anyone from Longwood and they will tell you yes. FlamesNation, do you consider this to be a rivalry? Anyways, the Lancers lead the all-time series a staggering 19-9. Liberty is 8-5 against the Lancers in Lynchburg, and undefeated against Longwood in Lynchburg since the Lancers moved to Division I. The Flames and Lancers are fighting for 5th place in next week’s Big South Tournament in Myrtle Beach. If the Flames beat the Lancers, they will clinch at least 5th place in the North Division. A Longwood win would give the Lancers the leg up for 5th spot, but it would not be determined until Saturday’s games are completed.

Prediction: Liberty is better than Longwood and is at home, that’s a recipe which should lead to a win. Will it be as decisive as last season’s 74-47 Flames victory? Not likely. If the Flames win, they can build some positive momentum heading into the conference tournament. Liberty 75 Longwood 69