The Elon University women’s basketball team defeated Hofstra University 64-58 on Sunday. Despite having a 24-point lead at the half, the Phoenix narrowly hung on to defeat the surging Pride.
The Phoenix started the game on a 9-2 run, and led by as many as 26 points in the first half. Senior guard Zora Stephenson scored 16 before halftime, while freshman guard Shay Burnett had 12. Elon converted 60 percent of its field goals in the half, and a blistering 78 percent from beyond the arc. Sophomore forward Jenifer Rhodes also added two blocks before the intermission, and the Phoenix went into the locker room leading 46-22.
After halftime, offensive productivity slowed down tremendously for Elon.
The Phoenix made just five shots from the floor in the half, and tallied only 18 points. The team made no 3-pointers after halftime, and was forced to rely on defense to close out the Pride. Rhodes added four more blocks, totaling six for the game, and freshman center Malaya Johnson had two of her own in the second half.
The margin between the teams dipped down to two with 2:54 left in the contest when Hofstra’s Ashunae Durant made a layup. However, the Pride was forced to foul late in the game, which allowed Elon to ultimately win the game.
The victory gives Elon an overall record of 17-11 with a 10-7 record in CAA play. Hofstra falls to 18-10 overall with an 11-6 CAA record. The Phoenix travel home to take on Delaware on Mar. 4 for senior night at 7 p.m.