WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – A big first half by league-leader William & Mary was to much to overcome for the Elon men’s basketball team in a 77-58 setback on Wednesday night, Feb. 11, at Kaplan Arena.
The Tribe extends its CAA-leading record to 10-3 (16-8 overall) while the Phoenix drops to 11-15 (3-10 CAA) with the setback.
“We competed for 40 minutes tonight and our guys are giving us everything they have,” said Elon head coach Matt Matheny. “We got in foul trouble early in the first half and that didn’t help us. I’m encouraged by the way our guys continue to compete. In order to get where we want to be, we need to narrow our focus whether its in practice or a game.”
Elijah Bryant recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 boards, playing a season-high 35 minutes. Bryant went 5-of-15 from the floor and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
Austin Hamilton and Christian Hairston were the only other Elon players in double figures, as the duo finished with 13 and 10, respectively.
William & Mary put three players in double figures, led by Omar Prewitt’s game-high 19 points. Marcus Thornton pitched in 17 points, while Sean Sheldon recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
Elon shot 40 percent for the game and dominated points in the paint, 38-24, but struggled to find a rhythm from deep, going 3-of-22.
The Tribe ended the game with a 36-30 edge on the glass and scored 18 points off a total of 11 turnovers by the Phoenix.
A costly Elon turnover opened the floodgates for the Tribe and forced a Phoenix timeout with 2:18 left when a miscue led to a Thronton fast-break layup to make it a 38-21 game.
Spurred by the play, W&M made six of its last six attempts down the stretch and closed the final 2:51 of the half on a 9-2 run to hold a 42-23 lead at intermission. The Tribe shot connected on 15 of its 32 field goal attempts in the opening frame, good for a 52-percent clip.
Elon battled in the second half, closing the gap to 14 points in the early stages on a Hamilton layup, but the Tribe kept its foot on the gas and held the maroon and gold at arm’s length for the duration.
Elon hosts James Madison on Saturday night, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m.