ELON, N.C. – Kevin Blake scored a career-high 20 points as the Elon University men’s basketball team closed non-conference play with a 69-64 win over Marist on Sunday, Dec 28, at Alumni Gym. The Phoenix led by 19 points in the second half, but held off a late-surging Marist squad in the final minutes.
Elon improves to 8-5 on the year heading into its CAA opener on Jan. 3 at Drexel.
“These games after break are always tough for both teams, but I thought we played well in a close game down the stretch,” said Elon head coach Matt Matheny. “Any time you play in a close game, I think you learn something from it.”
Blake went 7-of-10 from the floor in 19 minutes, sinking both of his three-point attempts and making 4-of-6 at the free throw line.
Elijah Bryant was the only other player in double figures for Elon, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds and one block.
Christian Hairston ended the day with seven points and eight boards, as the Phoenix outrebounded the Red Foxes, 40-30.
Elon smothered the Red Foxes on defense in the first period, holding Marist without a field goal make for a seven-minute stretch. Marist shot 25 percent (5-of-20) from the floor in the opening frame as Elon carried a 34-18 lead into the locker room at the half.
The Phoenix jumped out to an 18-point lead with 11:50 remaining and forced a Marist timeout after a 6-0 run over a 52-second span made it a 46-28 game.
Marist managed to pull back within six points with about 12 seconds remaining on a Manny Thomas three pointer off a Red Foxes offensive rebound. But the Phoenix held on in the waning moments with a key dunk from Blake and free throws by Tanner Samson.
Chavaughn Lewis ended the day with a game-high 30 points for Marist on 10-of-22 shooting.