ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s basketball team brought the game within two, trailing 68-66 with 5:31 to play, but a 15-5 run over the next 3:39 by the Seahawks gave the visitors a solid cushion to close out the game and UNCW defeated the Phoenix 91-82 on Thursday, Jan. 14, inside Alumni Gym.
Luke Eddy led the way for the Phoenix (11-7, 2-3 CAA) with 21 points, four assists and two steals. Christian Hairston recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the second consecutive game.
Three other Elon players finished in double figures as Dainan Swoope dropped 15 points, and Tyler Seibring and Steven Santa Ana scored 11 each.
Chris Flemmings was the leader for UNCW (11-5, 3-2) scoring a game-high 28 points. In addition, Craig Ponder chipped in 21 points, Denzel Ingram scored 14 and C.J. Gettys had 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Highlights
UNCW opened the first 5:15 of the game with a 7-4 lead and the first media timeout was called. Elon tied it up 7-7 at the 14:23 mark, but the Seahawks went on a 23-5 run over the next 7:06 to take their largest lead of the game 30-12 following two Gettys’ free throws.
Undaunted, the Phoenix responded with a 21-8 surge over final 6:23 capped off by a Santa Ana three before the clock expired. Elon’s late run cut into the deficit against the Seahawks, making the score 38-36 heading into halftime.
The early part of the second half was a nail biter with both teams exchanging blows. Elon made it close late, pulling within two, 66-64 at the 6:22 mark and trailed the Seahawks 68-66 with 5:31 remaining.
Despite Elon’s push, UNCW used a 15-5 run over the next 3:39 to get out in front 81-67 and held on the final 2:36 to take the 91-82 victory over the Phoenix.
Notes
– Tanner Samson became the first Elon player to reach 300 made 3-pointers in a career after making one against the Seahawks. He had 299 coming into the game.
– Christian Hairston posted his fifth-career double-double and fourth of the season against the Seahawks with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
– It was the first time since Dec. 31 against Northeastern, that Elon was held to under 10 three pointers made in a game. The Phoenix hit eight against UNCW and were held to seven against Northeastern.
– Seibring has now scored in double-figures in four consecutive games, and in four of the first five conference games.
Up Next
Elon wraps up week three of CAA play at College of Charleston on Saturday, Jan. 16, inside TD Arena at 4 p.m. and will be broadcasted locally on MyTV Charleston. The Phoenix then head into week four with a third consecutive home and road split, beginning with a trip to William & Mary on Jan. 23, then hosting JMU on Jan. 25 at Alumni.