Elon MBB Suffers First Loss of the Season to UNC Greensboro

ELON, N.C. – Elon University men’s basketball suffered its first loss of the season, 71-64, against UNC Greensboro on Saturday, Dec. 19.

BOX SCORE | RESULTS

“Even though the second half went their way, we were really proud of the first half we had,” head coach Mike Schrage stated. “It’s been a crazy time for our team with losing Jerald (Gillens-Butler) in the last 48 hours on top of everything else. I thought our guys really responded to the challenge against a talented team and established program. Proud of our guys as always. We’ll be better from this experience.”

THE RUNDOWN
– Trailing 14-13 early in the first half, two quick points from Michael Graham sparked a 6-0 Phoenix run. Ikenna Ndugba and Hunter Woods each scored tough layups during the stretch that gave Elon a 19-14 lead.
– After a UNCG basket cut Elon’s advantage back down to three, Kris Wooten drilled a deep three to ignite a 7-0 Elon burst. Culminating in a Chuck Hannah free throw, the run lasted just over two and a half minutes of game time.
– Elon extended its seven-point halftime lead to 11 behind baskets from Ikenna Ndugba and Federico Poser respectively. Their play put Elon on top 40-29 with just under 18 minutes remaining in the game.
– Both teams battled throughout the second half and sat tied at 59-59 with three minutes until the final buzzer. From there, back-to-back UNCG threes gave them a six-point advantage they wouldn’t relinquish.

NOTES
– Hunter Woods led the way for the Phoenix, posting a season-high 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
– Ikenna Ndugba added 15 points, six rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes of action.
– Hunter McIntosh chipped in nine points, two rebounds and two assists on the day.
– Elon held an 11-6 advantage in second chance points.
– The Phoenix rounded out non-conference play with a 3-1 overall record.

UP NEXT
Elon returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 2, against Northeastern. That matchup will be the Phoenix’s first road contest of the season and is slated for a 1 p.m. tipoff.