ELON, NC--Shamar Johnson sank two free throws with just 8.0 seconds remaining and Ross Sims netted a season-high 17 ponts and added four assists to help lead Elon to a 65-61 victory over conference rival High Point Saturday evening in Alumni Gym.
After High Point opened up a 5-2 lead, the Phoenix used a 10-0 run that gave Elon (6-11, 2-4 Big South) its first lead of the game at 6-5 when Scottie Rice retrieved his own missed shot and then went up strong and put home the layup at the 15:39 mark of the first half. High Point (5-11, 1-4 Big South) was able to close the Phoenix lead to two with 10:17 remaining in the half when Matt Anderson converted a three-point play at the charity stripe. From that point Elon used a 17-7 run to open up a 32-20 advantage with 3:35 left in the frame. The 12-point cushion was the largest lead of the contest.
The Phoenix led by nine with 7:53 left in the game after Steven Harvin penetrated deep into the lane and dished the ball to Quinton McCleod for a layup and two of his five points. Topped off by a Kashawn Hampton layup, the Panthers went on an 8-0 run over a 3:10 span to bring the contest to its third tie at 56 with 4:43 remaining. High Point gained a 59-57 lead off a three-pointer from its leading scorer, Joe Knight (23 points). The final three minutes witnessed two more ties and two lead changes before Johnson was able to seal the win with two free throws.
Elon registered two players in double figures, led by Sims. Rice added 16 points while Gary Marsh chipped in eight. McCleod notched his season high in steals with three. The Phoenix had three players who grabbed six rebouds; Johnson, Marsh and Rasmi Gamble.
The Panthers also had two players in double figures, led by Knight. Hampton contributed 13 points and seven rebounds and Danny Gathings added nine markers.
Elon continues conference play on Wedneday when they travel to Radford for a 7 p.m. meeting with the Highlanders. The Phoenix's next home game will be February 5 against Liberty at 7 p.m.
Game Box Score
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