With starting senior guard Jack Isenbarger out due to injury, sophomore guard Tanner Samson replaced him in the starting lineup Friday night, Nov. 8, against Washington & Lee University and exceeded all expectations. Making 5 of 7 three-point attempts while scoring 17 points, Samson became an unexpected source of scoring early for the Elon University men’s basketball team as the Phoenix cruised to a 114-64 win over the Generals.
“We just had good ball movement, and my teammates did a good job of finding me for the open shot,” Samson said. “When we make shots we get more energy, which helped us out on defense, too.”
“I knew Tanner was ready to play the moment he got an offensive rebound at the beginning of the game” said Elon head coach Matt Matheny. “He also made a play defensively, and his play early on really set the tone. I think that positive shooting is contagious, and when he got going so did the other guys.”
Samson’s positive shooting spread to senior guard Sebastian Koch, who went 8 of 12 from the field, to total 22 points along with six rebounds and six assists. Senior forward Lucas Troutman went 7 of 7 from the field for a total of 18 points. He added four rebounds and two assists.
“We probably have the best low post guy in the conference with Lucas,” Koch said. “So that helps me and Tanner out as everybody is focused on him, so he just kicks it out and we get wide open shots.”
Samson scored the first eight points for either team. The Phoenix jumped out to a 19-4 lead after a Samson three, and they didn’t have any trouble keeping that lead.
“We shot the ball very well,” Matheny said. “That covers up mistakes. Give Washington and Lee credit because they took advantage of our mistakes, particularly in the first half. When you shoot 72 percent, it covers up a lot of things and makes for a good evening.”
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The Generals shot over 45 percent and made four three-point shots in the first half, all of which happened on open looks. But, Washington and Lee couldn’t handle Elon’s offensive balance, as five players scored in double figures.
“That’s important for this team,” Matheny said. “If we can consistently have four or five guys in double figures, that makes us a lot more dangerous. I know we do have several veteran players that can do that so I’m hoping it continues.”
Senior forward Ryley Beaumont finished with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Freshman guard Christian Hairston had 10 points, six rebounds and another highlight-reel dunk with less than 30 seconds remaining.
For Washington and Lee, sophomore forward Andrew Franz tied for the team lead in points with 12 and added five assists. Senior forward Drew Kimberly scored 12 points and led the team with three rebounds.
Matheny said Isenbarger is close to being able to play again, and should be able to practice on Saturday. He was not wearing a walking boot as he was previously.
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