The Education Day festivities began at 10:30 a.m. in Jordan Gym as fifth grade students from Eastlawn, Newlin, Andrews, South Graham, North Graham and Haw River Elementary Schools received lessons in geography, mathematics and health/nutrition from Elon coaches, players and athletic staff members. The children (pictured left with teacher Jessica Honeycutt) were also greeted by the Phoenix players and coaching staff before moving into Alumni Gym at noon for the game.

Improving to 13-6 all-time versus the Lancers (6-16), Elon (9-11) received nine points from Amber Wall, nine points from Nicole Allison and seven points and a career-high eight steals – the highest steal total by a Phoenix player this season – from Tiffany Davis (pictured right). Bumbrey collected five steals for the third time this year, matching her season high.

The victory marked the first one for Elon on its Education Day. In past Education Day contests, the Phoenix fell to Longwood 57-51 on Jan. 26, 2005 and to Western Carolina 56-48 on Jan. 30, 2006.

With the win, Elon completed its non-conference schedule with a 6-5 record on the season. The Phoenix also improved to 9-0 when leading at halftime and 6-3 in games decided by 10 points or less this year.

Elon erupted to a 13-2 advantage on a jumper by Shamica Spears with 13:54 to play in the opening period. The Phoenix later stretched that lead to 20-5 on a jumper by Shashonna Moore with 7:08 left in the first half.

Following a jumper by Allison with 12 seconds to go before the break, Elon settled for a 27-13 halftime edge. Longwood exploded out of the locker room with a 26-8 run to claim a 39-35 lead on a put-back by Keiva Small with 4:22 left.

The Phoenix held the Lancers scoreless the rest of the way, reeling off the afternoon’s final 13 points to close the contest. A pair of free throws by Allison with 11 ticks remaining determined the final margin.

Ashleigh Holman (12 points), Small (10 points, nine rebounds) and Anna Steg (eight rebounds) led Longwood to a 40-39 rebounding advantage. The Lancers outscored the Phoenix 16-10 off the bench. Elon outscored Longwood 30-16 in the paint, 24-8 off turnovers, 15-11 on second chances and 8-2 off fast breaks.

The Phoenix committed a season-low 13 turnovers while the Lancers turned the ball over 27 times. Elon fired 31.7 percent (20 of 63) from the field and 77.8 percent (7 of 9) from the free throw line while Longwood shot 31.1 percent (14 of 45) from the floor and 66.7 percent (8 of 12) from the charity stripe.

Elon returns to Southern Conference action at 2 p.m. Saturday when Chattanooga visits Alumni Gym. Longwood will host Columbia Union at 7 p.m. in its next game on Feb. 3.