Just over a year ago in Durham, Elon University hung with the top-ranked Duke University Blue Devils for nearly the entire first half.
The Phoenix held a lead down the stretch, but a Blue Devils run early in the second half broke it open and the hosts went on to win, 76-54.
When the two schools, separated by just 39 miles, met again on Dec. 31, it was nothing like their last meeting. No. 7 Duke broke it open early and cruised to an 86-48 win over the Phoenix.
The game, though played at the Greensboro Coliseum, was technically a home game for Elon. The announced attendance was 9,717, comprised mostly of Duke fans.
Duke began the game on a 14-2 run, forcing Elon coach Matt Matheny to burn a timeout with 13:54 in the first half. Duke graduate student Andre Dawkins anchored the early charge, making his first four three-pointers.
The Phoenix struggled early on from the field, making just 3 of 14 to begin the game. There was never a point during the game in which Elon had more field goals than turnovers. Overall, the Phoenix made just 19 of 54 shots (35.2%) while turning the ball over 22 times.
It wasn’t just National Player of the Year candidate and freshman forward Jabari Parker doing all the damage for the Blue Devils, who have now won 53 consecutive games against Southern Conference opponents. Parker tallied his fourth double-double of the year with 12 points and 10 rebounds, but 12 of the 13 Duke players who saw action scored. Five players scored in double-figures, led by Dawkins with 15 points and sophomore forward Rodney Hood with 13.
Duke led, 35-18, at halftime. Matheny was forced to burn a timeout just 47 seconds into the second half after Duke scored four quick points. Parker made a layup and Elon turned it over on the ensuing possession. The Blue Devils got into transition and senior forward Josh Hairston dunked to put an exclamation point on the play.
The Phoenix went on a nice run of its own following that, scoring eight consecutive points on a three-point play by senior forward Lucas Troutman, a three-pointer from senior forward Lucas Troutman, and a jumper by freshman guard Luke Eddy. That rally was ended by a three-ball from Duke junior guard Quinn Cook right before a media timeout.
The Blue Devils had 25 points off of the 22 Elon turnovers, opposed to the Phoenix which garnered just five points off of turnovers. Duke entered the game ranked ninth nationally in field goal percentage, and continued to shoot lights-out. The Blue Devils were 32 of 66 (48.5%) from the field and 10 of 19 (52.6%) from three-point range.
Elon was outrebounded, 41-36, by Duke, but it was clear the Blue Devils held a great size advantage for much of the game. Troutman, a Preseason All-SoCon honoree at the post, had trouble finding a groove going up against the likes of Parker, Hood, and sophomore forward Amile Jefferson underneath the rim. Late in the first half, Troutman came up with a big block followed by his first points of the afternoon on the ensuing possession. He finished with 11 points and seven rebounds, both of which tied for team-highs.
Beaumont also tallied 11 points, while senior guard Sebastian Koch grabbed seven rebounds. The Phoenix only attempted seven free throws, making five of them.
With the loss, Elon falls to 7-7 overall on the year. The Phoenix is back in action on Jan. 4 to begin SoCon play at Western Carolina University. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.