Coming off a strong win on Monday, the Elon women’s basketball team extended its win streak to two games after defeating Lenoir-Rhyne University 62-46 on New Year’s Eve.
The winning effort was led by freshman center Malaya Johnson, built off her excellent performance in her last game. She led the team in scoring with 18 points while playing 27 minutes in the game. She also contributed 3 blocks and 2 steals.
Sophomore guard Essence Baucom’s defense gave Elon four of their 11 steals for the game. She also added three assists and 10 points of her own.
The first half was neck and neck with the score at the half favoring Elon by only five points at 32-27. Regardless of Elon’s 10% three-point percentage they were able to knock down 46% of their field goals. The Phoenix defense regulated Lenoir-Rhyne’s scoring, allowing only 2 fast break points in the first half.
In the second half, Elon dominated on the offensive side of the ball allowing it to control the tempo of the game. Its lead extended to as much as 20 points in the half. While the Elon offense held the momentum, Lenoir-Rhyne only managed to put up 19 points in the second half. Elon’s ability to control the paint was a large factor in the win, outscoring the Bears 42-16 in the paint throughout the game. Elon held on for the 16-point victory.
The exhibition game win improves the women’s basketball team record to 7-4.
The Phoenix will take a short break to celebrate the New Year, but will travel to Newark, Delaware on Jan. 4 to take on the University of Delaware Blue Hens. The game will be the first Colonial Athletic Association competition for the women’s basketball team this season.