Elon Phoenix Women’s Basketball Begins Road Swing on Thursday

ELON, N.C. – The Elon women’s basketball team (4-4) hits the road for the first of three straight away games, beginning with a contest at Campbell (8-2) on Thursday, Dec. 20. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Buies Creek, N.C.

Thursday, Dec. 20
Site: Buies Creek, N.C. (Gore Arena/Pope Center)
Series: Campbell leads, 18-10
Last Meeting: Dec. 14, 2011 – Elon won, 89-88

Last Time Out
The Phoenix picked up a win in its last home game of 2012 with a 74-54 victory over Morgan State on Dec. 13. Elon led by only four at half but later used a 20-0 run in the second frame to surge past the Lady Bears. Kelsey Evans led all players with 19 points, while Jessica Farmer recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. Ali Ford tied her career-high of eight assists for the second time this season. Both Ford and Zora Stephenson also scored in double figures with 14 points each.

The Series
Elon and Campbell have been playing one another for the past 40 years with Thursday marking the 29th meeting between the two programs. Campbell owns the all-time series, 18-10, while Elon has won three of the last four games after the Phoenix won in a tight, high-scoring affair last year in Alumni Gym. The Fighting Camels cam back from 10 points down within the final three minutes but the Phoenix were able to hold on for the 89-88 victory.

Scouting the Fighting Camels
Campbell is on a four-game winning streak after going 2-0 at the Osprey Holiday Classic with wins over Maryland Eastern Shore and Jacksonville State last weekend. The Fighting Camels are led by Tonisha Baker, the reigning Big South Co-Player of the Week, who is averaging 14.7 points per game and has 34 assists in 10 games. Kiera Gaines is Campbell’s leader on the boards with 6.9 per game.

Season-High
Elon scored a season-high from the field against Morgan State after going 31-of-60 to shoot 51 percent.

Reaching the Century Mark
In Thursday’s game at Campbell, Kelsey Evans will take the hardwood wearing the maroon and gold for the 100th time in her career. Ali Ford played in her 100th game on Dec. 3 at Western Carolina and made her 100th career start on Dec. 13 against Morgan State.

Young Talent
Jessica Farmer has been making a name for herself as a newcomer on the Phoenix roster. The freshman is currently averaging 5.0 rebounds per game and 1.1 blocks per game. The Asheville, N.C., native ranks 21st in the conference (second-ranked freshman) in boards and eighth (top-ranked freshman) in blocked shots. Farmer recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 boards against Morgan State on Dec. 13.

Looking Ahead
Elon will have an eight-day break before its next contest. The Phoenix will travel to Greenville, N.C., on Saturday, Dec. 29, for a game against East Carolina. Tip is scheduled for 3 p.m.