Elon Men’s Basketball Cruises Past Wesley, 106-77

ELON, N.C. – Tanner Samson turned in another solid performance and was one of four Phoenix to score in double-figures, as the Elon University men’s basketball team cruised past Wesley, 106-77, on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, in Alumni Gym.

Samson led the way for Elon (6-3) with a great all-round performance. He finished with a stat line of 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a career-high three blocks in the win. The senior out of Littleton, Colo. finished 5-of-11 from deep, including 4-of-6 in the second half.

In addition to Samson, Steven Santa Ana and Dmitri Thompson finished with 17 points apiece, while Swoope scored 13 for his ninth double-figure scoring effort this season.

Jordan Johnson and Rasahn Brinkley scored 19 points each for Wesley (1-6) to lead the Wolverines.

Highlights
Although the Phoenix got off to a slow start against the Wolverines, Elon pulled out to a 42-29 lead at the half. Thompson led the way with seven points and five rebounds in the first half.

In the second half, Samson had the hot hand, scoring 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range and hitting four at the free throw line. Thompson continued his strong game scoring 10 in the half, and Santa Ana tacked on 11 off the bench.

Elon outscored Wesley 64-48 in the second stanza and the Phoenix completed the 106-77 victory over the Wolverines.

Notes
· A total of 17 of 18 players on the roster saw action. Elon’s bench scored a total of 44 points against Wesley.
· Samson set a new career-high of three blocks against Wesley. His six assists tied a career-high, which he set against Bridgewater on Nov. 13, 2012.
· Christian Hairston made his first start of the 2015-16 season, the sixth start of his career.
· Elon is off to a 6-3 start for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

Up Next
Elon continues its home stand on Wednesday, Dec. 16, with a battle against Alabama State at 7 p.m. The Phoenix returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 19, for a matchup against the UNCG Spartans at 1 p.m., the first game of a men’s and women’s doubleheader.