MUNCIE, IN -- David Hall poured in 19 points and rookie Sean Newton put up a career-best 15 markers as Elon ousted Binghamton 77-70 in Saturday night's consolation contest of the First Merchants Classic at Ball State.
A 33-33 halftime deadlock led to ties at 35, 44, 45 and 46 early in the second period. With 12:07 remaining, the first of two free throws made by Phoenix freshman Jackson Atoyebi accounted for the game's final tie at 46-46.
A 22-12 Elon surge turned a 46-45 deficit into the contest's largest margin at 67-58 in favor of the Phoenix with 5:16 to play. Atoyebi pumped in nine of his career-high 11 points during that stretch.
Binghamton pulled within 68-64 on a jumper by Brett Watson with 1:42 left, but the Bearcats (2-5) would move no closer. The victory snapped a three-game skid for the Phoenix (3-4).
Hall also pulled down a season-high nine rebounds while Shamar Johnson grabbed a season-best seven boards. Newton put on his best shooting display of the young season, sinking six of his eight field goal attempts including two of four from three-point land.
The Bearcats were led by Watson (20 points), Charles Baker (14 points) and Andrew Hannon (14 points).
Elon ended up with advantages in field goal shooting (43.6 percent-37.0), rebounding (43-31) and assists (14-8) while Binghamton finished with edges in free throw percentage (76.7-67.6), turnovers (14-16), blocked shots (4-1) and steals (8-5).
In addition to capturing third place in the two-night, four-squad tournament, the Phoenix claimed an all-tournament team player in David Hall. For the two contests combined, Hall scored 42 points and hauled in 15 rebounds while connecting on 13 of his 16 free throw attempts.
Next up, Elon travels to Davidson for a 7 p.m. contest on Tuesday. The Wildcats lead the all-time series with the Phoenix 17-11, but dropped the past two meetings, both played at Alumni Gym. Currently 2-0 against Davidson since officially joining the NCAA Division I ranks in 1999, Elon has won a pair of thrillers over the Wildcats the past two years (75-70 in 1999 and 74-69 in 2000).
Game Box Score
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