The Elon women’s basketball team fell short against Vanderbilt University on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Alumni Gym 66-50.
Elon never seemed to get solid footing against their Southeastern Conference opponent, even falling behind 31 points midway through the second half.
Senior guard Zora Stephenson had a productive day for the Phoenix, leading the team in total points with 14 to pair with three steals, after an impressive first half showing. Stephenson’s effort proved to not be enough though, as the rest of the Phoenix combined to score only 36 points.
Freshman guard Shay Burnett contributed to the offensive charge in the second half, yielding eight total points off of her attempts inside the paint and at the free-throw line.
Vanderbilt jumped ahead early against Elon and took a 20 point lead into the locker room for halftime. The Phoenix offense woke up for the second half, scoring 32 points from the 18 they put up in the first half.
The Commodores were very efficient from the free throw line and from inside the three-point arc, shooting 72 percent and 43 percent respectively. Shots from inside the arc cost Elon with only 25 percent of the attempts making it in the net.
The Phoenix took advantage of the Commodores’ 27 turnovers by converting them into 25 points. Although they were careful with the ball, only giving it up 21 times, Elon could not overcome the 20 point first half deficit and Vanderbilt rolled to a 16 point win.
The Phoenix will travel to Buies Creek, North Carolina on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to face Campbell University at 3 p.m.