ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women's basketball team ended its 2020 home schedule on a high note as the Phoenix defeated UNCG on Friday, Dec. 18, 58-40.
 
"We're definitely excited to have come out with the win tonight," said head coach Charlotte Smith. "We're really impressed with our second-half effort. We felt like we were a lot more focused defensively and keyed in on our assignment. Our zone defense was able to get some stops and we shot the ball really well in the second half."  
 
THE RUNDOWN
-After UNCG held a seven-point advantage (13-6) at the end of the first quarter, Elon made a comeback to take its first lead of the night in the final minutes of the half.
-With 4:27 on the clock, Brie Perpignan knocked down her second of back-to-back layups to put the Phoenix up 18-17. The score remained tight the rest way, with the maroon and gold holding on to its one-point lead going into halftime (22-21).     
-Elon blew open the lead in the second half. Following an 18-9 third quarter to take a 10-point lead (40-30), the Phoenix maintained its double-digit lead to get the win.
 
NOTES
-With the win, Elon improves to 4-1 on the season.
-Perpignan and Evonna McGill finished the game tying for the team highs in points (11) and field goals (5). Perpignan also dished out a game-best five assists for a new season best, while Maya Johnson led the team in rebounds (5).
-Ariana Nance finished the game with a career high 3-of-3 from deep. All three shots came in the fourth quarter.
-As a team, the Phoenix tied its season highs for threes (9) and blocked shots (4).
-Smith's record now stands at 166-123, just seven wins away from breaking the program record for all-time wins.
 
UP NEXT
Elon travels to North Carolina A&T for its final game of the calendar year on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.