CHARLESTON, S.C. – Tanner Samson set Elon’s single-season three-point record, but it was not enough against a hot-shooting College of Charleston squad in a 77-63 setback on Wednesday night, Feb. 18, at TD Arena.
Samson ended the evening with 22 points and nailed six triples, breaking Jack Isenbarger’s single-season record of 82 set in 2012-13. Samson now sits alone in first place with 88 threes made this season.
Samson’s night was not enough to slow down a hot CofC offense, which shot 56 percent for the game, including a 65-percent clip in the first 20 minutes. Canyon Barry led the Cougars with 22 points, while Joe Chealey finished with 16 points and nine boards.
“We did some very good things tonight and our guys continue to play hard and compete,” said Elon head coach Matt Matheny. “I was pleased with the 16 offensive rebounds and the way we attacked tonight and got to the free throw line. The biggest issue we have in the last couple games, and tonight was the same way, is we’re giving up too many easy shots. They made some tough shots, too, but we have to eliminate some of those easy shots.”
Elon managed to weather a CofC shooting storm to only trail by five points, 35-30, at the break after the Cougars knocked down 15-of-23 from the floor. Samson led all players with 17 points in the first 20 minutes, nailing five threes.
But the Cougars stormed out of the gates in the second half to extend the gap to 12 points and force a Phoenix timeout with 16:35 to play after an Elon turnover led to a Chealey fast-break layup that made it a 47-35 game.
The Cougars jumped ahead by 16 points with 10:25 on the clock after an Anthony Stitt basket gave CofC its largest lead of the game and a 59-43 advantage.
Elon managed to narrow the gap to nine points down the stretch on an Elijah Bryant three-point play, but the Cougars kept the maroon and gold at arm’s to secure the victory. Bryant ended the night with 20 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the floor and 9-of-13 shooting at the charity stripe.
Elon returns to action on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in Delaware against the Blue Hens.