NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game that defied conventional efficiency and stretched deep into the South Carolina afternoon, Longwood outlasted Charleston Southern in a double-overtime marathon, 107-96, in a Big South Conference men’s basketball thriller on Saturday.

The contest, which featured a triple-double, a career-high scoring outburst and a staggering disparity in ball security and second chances, was ultimately decided by the Lancers’ ability to create extra possessions and capitalize at the free-throw line.

Longwood guard Jacoi Hutchinson erupted for a career-best 36 points, including 10 in the two overtime periods, to lead the Lancers. His performance was answered by a historic effort from Charleston Southern’s A’lahn Sumler, who recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. But Sumler’s brilliance was undermined by his nine turnovers, a microcosm of his team’s struggles.

The Buccaneers, despite shooting a blistering 54.8% from the field and making 13 three-pointers, coughed up the ball 19 times. Longwood converted those miscues into a decisive advantage, registering 12 steals and scoring 28 points off turnovers. The Lancers also dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 18 rebounds to Charleston Southern’s eight, leading to a 21-9 edge in second-chance points.

Perhaps the most telling statistic was at the foul line. Longwood, despite its lower field goal percentage, attempted 35 free throws and made 32, a 91.4% clip. Charleston Southern went just 15 for 22 from the stripe.

The game’s pivotal sequence arrived at the end of the first overtime. With Charleston Southern leading 93-91, Longwood’s Johan Nziemi was fouled with 42 seconds remaining. He calmly sank both free throws to tie the game. On the ensuing possession, the Lancers’ defense forced a missed shot, and after a scramble, Charleston Southern’s Nate Brafford was fouled with 41 seconds left. He missed both free throws, preserving the tie. Longwood held for the final shot, but Hutchinson’s driving layup was off the mark, sending the game to a second overtime.

There, Longwood’s depth and Charleston Southern’s fatigue became evident. The Lancers opened the period on a 7-0 run, sparked by a Redd Thompson layup and five straight points from Hutchinson. The Buccaneers, who had five players log at least 36 minutes, managed just three points in the final five-minute period, missing all five of their field goal attempts.

Thompson finished with 22 points for Longwood, while Jaylen Benard added 16 points and seven rebounds. Emanuel Richards contributed 11 points.

For Charleston Southern, Lase Olalere was a force in the paint with 17 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots. Jacob Taylor scored 12 points, and Nate Brafford added 11 points and five rebounds.

The game was a stark contrast in styles. Charleston Southern’s offensive rating of 115.0 on 83 possessions reflected its efficient shooting when it secured a shot. Longwood’s offensive rating of 116.8 on 92 possessions highlighted its ability to generate far more opportunities through turnovers and offensive rebounds.

With the win, Longwood evened its season record at 15-15 overall and 9-8 in the Big South. Charleston Southern fell to 13-16 overall and 7-10 in conference play. The victory completed a season sweep for the Lancers, who also defeated the Buccaneers in overtime, 81-79, on Jan. 23.

Longwood will host Radford next Saturday in its regular-season finale. Charleston Southern is scheduled to host Winthrop on Thursday before traveling to face UNC Asheville next Saturday.