Elon Faces Chattanooga in SoCon Semifinals

Elon Faces Chattanooga in SoCon Semifinals

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After defeating Appalachian State in the quarterfinals Saturday, the fifth-seeded Elon women’s basketball team will take on top-seeded Chattanooga Sunday, March 9, at noon in the U.S. Cellular Center in the Southern Conference Tournament semifinals.

#5 Elon (15-15) vs. #1 Chattanooga (27-3)

Date: Sunday, March 9

Time: Noon

Site: Asheville, N.C. (U.S. Cellular Center)

Series: Chattanooga leads, 20-3

Last Meeting: Feb. 28, 2014, in Chattanooga, Tenn. – Chattanooga won, 69-55

Radio: WSOE – 89.3 FM – Matt Krause and Ryan Balick will have the call

Twitter Updates: @ElonScores

A Look at the Phoenix

Elon claimed a 59-56 victory over fourth-seeded Appalachian State on Saturday to advance to the tournament semifinals for the second straight year. After the Mountaineers pulled within one of the maroon and gold with 13 seconds left in the game, Sam Coffer made two clutch free throws to put Elon up three with nine ticks remaining. ASU’s three attempt fell into the hands of Shannen Cochraham who held on for the three-point win. Elon ranks first in the SoCon in three-point field goal percentage with a 37 percent mark thanks to Zora Stephenson who hits 2.44 threes a game and shoots 41 percent from beyond the arc. The maroon and gold is led by lone senior Kelsey Harris who averages 12.3 points per game and ranks 13th in the conference in scoring. Harris also ranks third in the league in assists (4.0/game) and second in minutes played (35.2/game).

Elon vs. Chattanooga

Chattanooga holds a big advantage in the all-time series, 20-3, however, Elon has recorded its three wins in the last five years. The teams met just over a week ago in Chattanooga, Tenn., with the Lady Mocs winning, 69-55. The two teams have only met once before in the tournament during Elon’s first year in the league on March 5, 2005. The Lady Mocs won the game 67-37.

Scouting the Lady Mocs

Chattanooga earned the number one seed in the tournament after a perfect 18-0 record in conference play this season. The Lady Mocs advanced to the tournament semifinals after a 66-57 win over Georgia Southern in the quarterfinals. UTC is led by recently named SoCon Player and Defensive Player of the Year Taylor Hall who averages 14.9 points per game and scored 16 in its most recent victory. Ashlen Dewart scores 10.2 per game for the Lady Mocs as the only other player averaging in double figures. Chattanooga leads the league in scoring margin with a 13.2 average advantage over opponents and field goal percentage with 45 percent mark from the field.

Looking Ahead

If Elon advances, the Phoenix will play the winner of the seventh-seeded Western Carolina/third-seeded Davidson game in the tournament championship. The final is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, March 10, in the U.S. Cellular Center.