BOONE, N.C. – The Elon women’s basketball team suffered an 80-62 setback at Appalachian State today, Feb. 2, in the Holmes Center. The loss marks just the third of the Southern Conference season for the Phoenix as the maroon and gold falls to 11-9 overall and 8-3 in conference play. The Mountaineers improve to 13-5 on the season (7-3 SoCon).
We did not particularly shot the ball well tonight,” said Elon head coach Charlotte Smith. “Hopefully that will not carry over to Western Carolina. We just need to regroup, refocus and get prepared for Monday. We did not play Elon basketball today but I’m proud of the effort.”
Elon finished the game 20-of-66 from the field with a 30 percent shooting clip, while ASU shot 46 percent from the field, including 50 percent from three-point range. The Phoenix won the battle on the glass, 44-40, claiming 20 offensive boards.
Ali Ford, who played limited time due to fouls, led the Phoenix with 18 points. Rookies Jessica Farmer and Autumn Carter each contributed eight points, while Kelsey Harris finished with 11 rebounds.
The Mountaineers Anna Freeman led all players with 26 points and tallied a double-double with 10 boards.
With the Phoenix trailing by three early in the game, 9-6, the Mountaineers managed a 17-5 run to take a 26-14 lead at the 6:48 mark. Elon then scored four straight after Ford finished a steal with a fast-break layup to pull the maroon and gold within eight, 26-18, with 5:37 left in the half. ASU was able to take a 10-point edge, 36-26, into the break.
Elon could not hit the basket from long distance in the first half, going 0-for-5, and suffering from a 23 percent shooting mark as a result. The Mountaineers shot 39 percent in the first frame, including 60 percent from beyond the arc. Both teams finished the half with 24 rebounds.
A three by Zora Stephenson opened the second half to put the Phoenix within seven, 36-29, before a 14-4 run by ASU gave the Mountaineers a 17-point advantage, 50-33, with 13:32 to play. With 5:13 remaining, free throws by Ford cut the Elon deficit to 13, 63-50, however, that was the closest the Phoenix would get as ASU closed out the victory in the final minutes.
Elon will return home to face Western Carolina on Monday, Feb. 4, in its annual Play 4Kay game. Tip is set for 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym. All fans are encouraged to wear pink.