Elon Women’s Basketball Hosts Samford Saturday in SoCon Opener

ELON, N.C. – After a three-week absence, the Elon women’s basketball team (2-5) will return home to Alumni Gym on Saturday, Dec. 14, to open Southern Conference play against Samford (2-6). Tip is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for all youth 12 and under.

Elon vs. Samford
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Site: Elon, N.C. (Alumni Gym)
Series: Samford leads, 8-5
Last Meeting: March 9, 2013, in Asheville, N.C. – Elon won, 70-60 (SoCon Quarterfinals)
Radio: WSOE – 89.3 FM – Matt Krause will have the call

Last Time Out
The Phoenix dropped its fifth straight game in the form of a 91-51 setback at NC State last Sunday. Elon shot nearly 45 percent in the first half, but was limited to a 31 percent mark in the second frame, and finished the game with a 38 percent clip. The maroon and gold saw 12 points from both Zora Stephenson and Lenaira Ruffin, while Sam Coffer finished the game with nine boards.

Scouting the Bulldogs
After starting the season with a win at Memphis, Samford owns a 2-6 record, having dropped four of its six losses by a total of 14 points, including its last two by just eight points. The Bulldogs are led by freshman Ellen Riggins, a two-time freshman of the week honoree, who is averaging 9.5 points per game. Krista Stricklin is Samford’s other leading scorer with 8.9 points/game and leads the team on the boards with six rebounds/game.

The Series
The Bulldogs own the all-time series between the two schools, 8-5. However, Elon has won two of the last three contests, including a 70-60 victory last season in the quarterfinals of the SoCon tournament. Both teams won the game on its home court last year.

SAAC Coat Drive
For the third straight year, the Elon Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is conducting its annual coat drive to benefit Allied Churches of Alamance County. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used coats to all home basketball games through Monday, Dec. 16. Other cold weather items such as hats, gloves and scarves are also greatly needed. A bin is available during all times in the concourse of the Koury Center to accept donations.

This Game Last Year…
Elon was in the middle of a three-game losing skid when it hosted the Bulldogs from Samford last season. A 65-41 Phoenix win not only snapped that, but also was the beginning of a six-game winning streak, which catapulted the maroon and gold to a 7-1 start in conference play.

Ruffin Earns Conference Honor
For the third time in four weeks, an Elon freshman was named the SoCon’s CRONS Freshman of the Week. Lenaira Ruffin earned the honor on Dec. 10 after leading Elon with 12 points at NC State. She tallied her career high off another career-high five field goals, shooting 50 percent, and hitting one three. The Burlington, N.C., native also dished out two assists and tallied three steals without a turnover in 28 minutes of play.

Looking Ahead
The Phoenix will play one more conference game before the end of the year as Elon hosts reigning conference champion Chattanooga on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym.