Elon, N.C.- Despite cutting a game-high 15-point lead down to eight in the fourth quarter, the Elon University women's basketball team dropped a 69-57 loss to Wake Forest on Monday night, Nov. 25.
 
THE RUNDOWN
With 9:18 left to go in regulation and the Deacons leading 51-38, the Phoenix went on a 7-2 run to make the score 53-45. As time expired, Wake Forest managed to score 16 points, including 11 from behind charity stripe, to give them what they needed to get the win.    
 
The Deacons set the tone early in the first quarter. Although Wake Forest only outscored the Phoenix 21-17 in the first 10 minutes of play, the Deacs knocked down five shots from deep to gain the momentum that stayed with them for the remainder of the contest.
 
Elon had a chance to take over the lead before going into halftime. With 1:52 on the clock, field goals from Jada Graves and Ariel Colón cut the Deacon lead to one (28-27). But a pair of free throws from Alexandria Scruggs put the Wake Forest lead back up to three (30-27) before the teams headed into their locker rooms.

NOTES 
-The Phoenix now holds a 2-3 record on the season.
-30 of the Phoenix's points came in the paint.
-Elon forced 21 Wake Forest turnovers, which led to 18 points for the Phoenix.
-Two Elon players finished the game with double-digit scoring. Brie Perpignan led the Phoenix with a season-high 16 points, shooting .500 (7-14) from the field. Jaylin Powell followed with 12, including nine from beyond the arc. Her three pointers are also a new season high.  
-On defense, Perpignan lead both teams in steals (5), tying her career high. She last tallied five steals against William & Mary on Feb. 17, 2019.  
-For Wake Forest, Alex Sharp recorded a double-double with a game-best 17 points and 13 rebounds.  
-The overall series between the two teams now stands at Elon leading 14-5.

UP NEXT
Elon will be traveling out west to compete in the Lady Rebel Roundup over Thanksgiving weekend. The Phoenix faces UNLV on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. EST prior to taking on the winner of the IUPUI / St.John's game on Sunday, Dec. 1 at either 2:00 or 4:30 p.m..