The Elon University women’s basketball team lost to Drexel University on Friday, 54-51. The Phoenix struggled from the field, shooting just 36 percent.
The teams fought for control in the first half, with Drexel leading by as many as six with 12:00 remaining. Elon was within four at halftime, trailing 23-19, but could not find a rhythm on offense, shooting just 29 percent from the field. Both teams combined for 24 turnovers, with the Phoenix committing 10 and the Dragons committing 14.
The Dragons went on a 12-6 run to start the second half, resulting in a 10-point lead with 16:21 left. The Phoenix chiseled away at the lead, culminating in a one-point deficit with 19 seconds left after sophomore forward Jenifer Rhodes made a layup. However, Drexel made two free throws at the end of regulation to secure the victory.
Rhodes led the Elon offense with ten points and five rebounds. Senior forward Sam Coffer contributed eight points, and sophomore guard Essence Baucom had five assists. The Phoenix outrebounded the Dragons, 32-29. Elon struggled to find consistency from beyond the arc, shooting just 32 percent compared to Drexel’s 50 percent.
The Elon bench contributed 19 points, with senior guard Zora Stephenson scoring 6 and sophomore guard Lauren Brown finishing with 5. Drexel controlled the game for 31:30, while the Phoenix led for just 5:47.
With the loss, the Phoenix drop to 16-11 overall with a 9-7 record in conference play. Drexel moves to 18-9 overall with a 12-4 conference record. The Phoenix wrap up away games on Mar. 1 when it travels to Hempstead, NY. to face Hofstra University at 1 p.m. Elon then returns to Alumni Gym for the regular season finale against Delaware on Mar. 4.