Charleston, SC – The Elon University men’s basketball team fell to the College of Charleston Cougars on Jan. 9, losing 65-61.
Sophomore guard Darius Burford posted the first three points for Elon, making a layup and free throw after the Cougars managed to get past Elon’s defense and score the first seven points of the game within the first five minutes.
The Phoenix put up a strong fight against the Cougars’ defense in the first half, shooting 33% on the field goal attempts and shooting 73% on free throws.
At halftime, the Phoenix trailed the Cougars by six, after junior guard Hunter McIntosh scored two three-pointers with less than two minutes left in the half.
The Phoenix outrebounded the Cougars 19-18 in the first half, but the team was unable to continue its success in the second half, as the Phoenix ended the game trailing in rebounds 38-33.
Although the Phoenix outscored the Cougars 32-30 in the second half, it was never able to hold a lead. However, it was able to produce a 12-0 run late in the half to tighten the game.
With 39 seconds left, a free throw made by sophomore forward Michael Graham left the Phoenix trailing by 2. However, a foul by senior guard Kris Wooten after the inbound pass ended in the Cougars making two free throws to secure the win.
Three Elon players scored in double digits, led by McIntosh with 22 points. He was followed by Burford with 16 points and Graham who snagged 13 of the team’s points.
The Phoenix will play the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.