Davidson College Sports Information
ELON – An off-shooting afternoon combined with a large run by Elon at the end of the first half and into the second half doomed Davidson as they fell 72-56 on the road Saturday afternoon in women’s Southern Conference basketball action at Alumni Gym.

Elon (16-12, 13-6 SoCon) used a 21-6 spurt that spanned from the last five minutes of the first half into the second half to grab a 45-33 lead and Davidson was never able to recover and get in any offensive rhythm for the game.

The Phoenix, who shot 44.6 percent, which included an even 50 percent in the second half, were led by Ali Ford’s 23 points. Kelsey Evans and Zora Stephenson each added 12 points, all coming in the second half for both players.

Sophia Aleksandravicius registered her 16th double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds to go with four blocks to pace the Wildcats. Laura Murray scored 14, while Sarah Davis chipped in nine points and four boards off the bench.

The Wildcats (18-11, 15-4 SoCon) shot just 33.9 percent for the game, including just 2-of-16 from three-land. They were also unable to break Elon’s mini half-court press in the second half, turning the ball over 12 times in the period and 19 for the game.

Davidson, third in the Southern Conference in free throw shooting at 73 percent, also had an off day at the foul line, making only 14-of-24 (58.3 percent).

Elon used a 10-3 run at the end of the first half to take a 34-30 lead at the break. The Phoenix then rattled off an 11-3 run to open the second half, making it 45-33. Their lead grew to 20 with 7:36 left when Zora Stephenson hit her fourth three-pointer of the half, making it 62-42.

Davidson scored 14 of the final 24 points, but it was not enough as the Cats ended a four-game win streak in their all-time series against Elon.

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first half, featuring eight ties and five lead changes. The Wildcats had an 18-16 lead on Shneeka Center’s put-back with 8:25 on the clock. Later, Katrin Chiemeka hit the only shot from behind the arc in 11 tries during the half for Davidson to give it a 27-24 lead.

Ford would give Elon the lead heading into the break though, scoring eight straight to give her 21 for the half and the Phoenix used a 10-3 run in the last five minutes for a 34-30 advantage.

FINAL HOME GAME MONDAY

The Wildcats wrap up the regular season with a 7 p.m. tip Monday for Senior Night against Western Carolina in John M. Belk Arena.

GAME NOTES: Davidson held a 44-39 edge on the glass, getting a season-high tying 18 offensive boards … the Wildcats have won 14 of its last 18 games … Davidson still has won 27 of its last 33 SoCon games dating back to last January 13, 2012 … the Wildcats finished 9-8 on the road overall and 8-2 in SoCon games … the nine wins matched the program-best set last year.

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