ELON, N.C. -- Kitara McMoore and Robyn Shipley combined for 32 of Elon’s 64 points as the Phoenix ended a three-game skid with a 64-54 women’s basketball victory over the visiting UNC Pembroke Lady Braves from Alumni Gym on Friday afternoon.
The Phoenix (4-6) fell behind by as many as 10 points in the first half when UNCP (6-3) opened up a 20-10 advantage on a Lindsay Bartholf three with 12:13 to play in the period. Elon roared back, scoring the game’s next 17 points to grab a 27-20 lead when Shashonna Moore hit a layup with 6:09 left. Elon carried a 32-28 lead into the break.
After UNCP trimmed the margin to three at 36-33 on a Tasha Stotler layup, Elon scored seven consecutive points to build a 43-33 advantage. That spurt was capped by one of four Shipley threes on the afternoon. The Phoenix lead grew to as many as 15 points when Myra Donkin hit two free throws with 2:48 remaining.
McMoore connected on seven field goals and four free throws to net 18 points for the third time this season. She also collected 10 rebounds to earn her third double-double this season and sixth of her career. The sophomore forward passed for a career-high tying six assists as well. Shipley added 14 points while Nikko King hauled in a career-best 10 rebounds for the Phoenix.
UNCP was paced by 15 points off the bench from Victoria Willis who drained five threes. Natalie Ray ended the afternoon with a game-high 12 rebounds for the Lady Braves.
Elon connected on 40.7 percent of its shots from the field and has been kept below 40 percent only twice this year. UNCP hit only 28.6 percent of its attempts on the day. The Phoenix also held advantages in rebounds (41-39), assists (12-11) and blocks (3-1). Both squads turned the ball over 10 times and UNCP held a slim edge in steals (5-4).
On Monday night, Elon will visit Southern Conference foe Western Carolina. That game tips at 7:00 p.m. from Cullowhee, N.C. UNC Pembroke will play at St. Andrews that same day at 6:00 p.m.
-- ELON -- Game Box Score
