Hornets Get By Gophers to Open 2012 Leftwich Classic

Harris Sets Career High With 26 Points in Loss

SALEM, Va. — After jumping out to a 10-1 advantage after 3:32, Lynchburg's lead was never in doubt as it cruised to a victory on the first day of the 2012 Dick Leftwich V-Foundation Classic.

Richard Harris (Clinton, Md./Surrattsville) did his best to pull Goucher (1-2) back in the game, but his career-high 26 points proved to not be enough. Harris made all four of his second half field goal attempts, including a pair of threes.

The sophomore now has led the Gophers in scoring in both games in which he has played, scoring 20 against Centenary (La.), but missing the team's win against Patrick Henry. His 26 points marks the most most by a Goucher player since the record-setting 40 points scored by Alex Noble (Clinton, Md./Surrattsville) in January.

After heading into intermission up 20, Lynchburg (3-0) extended its lead to a high of 24 before the Gophers rallied with nine straight points as part of a run to eventually pull within 12 points multiple times.

First, Harris hit a pair of free throws to make the game 58-46. After a 5-0 Lynchburg burst, Goucher scored five of its own, including a three from Harris, to pull the Gophers back to 12 with 11:04 left.

Later, Julian Livingston (Bowie, Md./Fairmont Heights) made two free throws to again make the deficit a dozen, but, despite his block on the other end, the Gophers missed their chance to cut the lead single digits.

Struggles from the free throw line once again doomed head coach Leonard Trevino's squad, as the team missed on 17 of its 34 attempts.

The Gophers outrebounded the Hornets 55-46, and also pulled down 19 offensive boards.

Goucher will play hosts Roanoke in the second day of the Leftwich Classic on Friday.