ELON, N.C. – Elon University men's basketball fell to Manhattan 69-64 on Saturday, Nov. 23.
 
The Phoenix was led by senior guard Marcus Sheffield II who poured in 24 points, while grabbing seven rebounds and knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. This marked the sixth consecutive game that Sheffield has scored in double figures.
 
Elon also go major contributions from freshman forward Hunter Woods, who chipped in 21 points and six rebounds, making a career-high five threes in the contest. The 21 points also marked a new career-high for Woods.
 
Manhattan was led by forward Tyler Reynolds, who recorded a team-high 14 points.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
Elon came out of the gates firing early in the first half. A Simon Wright layup on the game's opening possession followed by a Marcus Sheffield three sparked a 15-0 Elon run to begin the game. Elon held Manhattan scoreless for over six minutes of the contest, taking a 15-point advantage over the Jaspers with just under 14 minutes to play in the half.
 
From that point, both sides traded buckets over the next 14 minutes, and Elon entered the half leading 31-21.
 
With Elon leading by 12 with 15:24 left to play in the game, Manhattan's Tyler Reynold's knocked down a three-pointer to spark a 10-0 Manhattan run that got the Jaspers back in the game.
 
The Jaspers went on a 7-0 run with just under four minutes remaining that put them up by nine late in the contest.  

Elon cut the deficit down to as little as three in the final seconds of the game after back-to-back three's by Hunter Woods. The Jaspers made free throws in the closing seconds to hold on for a close win.

NOTES
- With today's loss, Elon fell to 2-4 on the season.
- The Phoenix shot the ball 39.6 percent from the floor, including a 50.0 percent clip from beyond the arc.
- The Phoenix went to the line 23 times, making 16 of its attempts from the charity stripe
- Elon forced 9 Jaspers turnovers and held a 39-27 advantage on the glass

UP NEXT
The Phoenix is back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 26 for a 7 p.m. matchup with Furman at Schar Center. That game will be streamed live on FloSports. Following that game, Elon will remain at home to take on UT Arlington on Thanksgiving Day. That matchup is slated to begin at noon.