Updated as of Nov. 11 at 3:52 p.m. to include video.
Updated as of Nov. 7 at 9:20 a.m. to include more photos from the game.
A tall task for the Elon University women’s basketball team against No. 11 ranked University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill became even more challenging early in the second quarter. Four minutes into the second quarter, sophomore guard Jayda Angel awkwardly fell down while coming to a jump stop on a drive to the basket.
The reigning Coastal Athletic Association Rookie of the Year and First Team All CAA preseason nominee, lay on the court for an extended period of time before having to be carried off. At the time, Elon was down 22-18 and had appeared to gain some offensive momentum with two early 3-pointers.
Head coach Charlotte Smith said she doesn’t know the full status of Angel’s injury yet.
After Angel’s injury, Elon struggled the rest of the game as the Tar Heels forced many mistakes from the Phoenix, scoring 24 points off turnovers. Elon did hold UNC to only 39% shooting from the field, but the Tar Heels managed to get additional scoring opportunities with 18 second chance points.
Smith said the team had to do a better job protecting the ball when they’re on offense. She said Elon gave up too many easy baskets.
“Our decision making wasn’t good,” Smith said. “We talked about not making cross court passes because that gives the other team the opportunity to intercept it.”
Even after Angel exited, Elon had chances to take the lead with halftime on the horizon. Freshman guard Ashanti Fox and sophomore transfer forward LaNae’ Corbett combined for 18 points at eight and 10 respectively.
Smith said she was pleased with Fox who was playing in just her second collegiate game. She said Fox is capable of fully developing into a significant contributor as she continues to work her way back from an injury.
“Her confidence impresses me,” Smith said. “We're still working to get her in condition, so I feel like once we get her to where she needs to be in terms of stamina, she'll be a really great player for us.”
However, the Tar Heels eliminated any threat Elon could pose, as they closed out the first half on a 7-0 run to go up 29-20 heading into halftime.
Smith said the team felt the loss of Angel as the game went on.
“We really missed her in the second half,” Smith said. “That's our CAA all conference selection that went down and in dealing with the emotional toll of that, we have to do a better job of just staying together.”
In the second half, UNC continued their momentum, building a 20 point lead five minutes into the third quarter. They remained in control, winning 71-37.
Despite the tough loss, Smith said she was grateful to return to UNC where she played a major role on their team that won the 1994 NCAA Tournament Championship. Her game winning three pointer to win the title against Louisiana Tech is one of the most iconic shots of UNC women’s basketball.
“It’s good to be home,” Smith said. “This is a place that I've called home for over 30 years, so it was just great to be in the building and being able to compete tonight.”
Elon will host its next game against Presbyterian College at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10.