COLUMBIA, S.C. – Elon University women's basketball suffered its first loss of the season on Nov. 26 as it fell to top-ranked South Carolina, 38-79. The Gamecocks came into the game ranked No. 1 in the nation by the Associated Press.
THE RUNDOWN
-The first quarter was slow for the Phoenix as South Carolina held the maroon and gold to single-digit scoring (20-7).
-Elon responded in the second, however, starting the quarter with a 14-4 run to cut the Gamecock lead to four (25-21) on a three pointer by
Ariana Nance with 4:53 on the clock.
-South Carolina outscored the Phoenix 8-2 in the remaining time, with the lone Elon field goal coming from Nance at 2:54, to hold a 10-point advantage going into halftime.
-The momentum stayed with the Gamecocks for the remainder of the contest as South Carolina outscored Elon 36-15 to get the win. Â
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NOTES
-Nance once again led the maroon and gold offense, posting a game-high 13 points. The redshirt senior has now led the team in scoring in back-to-back games. The guard previously recorded a career-high 19 points in Elon's last game against N.C. A&T on Monday, Nov. 22.
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Brie Perpignan and
Kayla Liles rounded out the top three in scoring, registering eight and six points, respectively. Perpignan also had a team-high two assists, while Liles tied
Tyja Traore for the team best in rebounds (5). Â
-On defense, Traore matched her career high in blocks (2), while
Vanessa Taylor and Nance each posted a steal.
-Elon head coach
Charlotte Smith and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley were teammates on the Charlotte Sting in the WNBA.
-With the loss, the Phoenix falls to 4-1, while the Gamecocks improve to 7-0.
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UP NEXT
Elon returns to Schar Center to host NC Central on Monday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
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