TOWSON, Md.- The Elon University women's basketball team defeated the defending CAA champions, Towson, in its conference opener 74-61 on Friday, Jan. 3.
 
For the second game in a row, Saadia Munford set a new career high in scoring. The junior led the Phoenix with 20 points, followed by Kayla Liles (16) and Brie Perpignan (15). Maya Johnson also set a new season best for single-game steals (2).
 
Towson's Kionna Jeter finished with team highs in both points (21) and steals (4).

HIGHLIGHTS
In the fourth quarter, the Phoenix went on a 7-0 run to bring its lead up to nine (57-48) with 7:19 left in regulation. The two teams traded baskets as time expired, but a 6-0 run by the Phoenix gave Elon its largest lead of the night (13) and the win. Perpignan tallied four of the points, while Munford added the other pair.

With 6:47 on the clock, Liles hit a shot from deep to make the score 37-34 to give Elon the lead, which stayed with the Phoenix for the remainder of the game. The Elon advantage then fluctuated between one and four points the rest of the quarter. After a layup from Tyja Traore at the 5:03 mark, Powell hit a three ball, followed by two free throws and a field goal from Liles. Munford closed the quarter with a jumper to make the score 48-44. 

The Tigers took their largest lead in the opening quarter. Nukia Mayo kickstarted a 10-4 run, which made the score 18-12 (1:48). Jeter was the only other Towson player to score during the run.

NOTES 
-Elon's record now stands at 6-6 on the season.
-The Phoenix finished the game with a .371 field goal percentage while also shooting .471 from deep.
-Munford and Liles each have now scored in the double digits for two-consecutive games.
-Elon outrebounded Towson 41-30.Jan
-Tonight's win is the first Elon victory against the Tigers in nearly two calendar years, The last time the Phoenix won was on Jan. 28, 2018 in SECU Arena.
-The Phoenix took advantage of additional chances to score, totaling 16 points from second-chance opportunities.  
-Towson now leads the overall series 7-4.

UP NEXT
Elon heads to Harrisonburg, Va. to take on James Madison on Sunday, Jan. 5. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.