ELON, N.C. — Newcomers Laila Anderson and Jayda Angel made a strong impression in their Elon University debuts, leading the Phoenix to a comeback victory over High Point.

Angel posted a team-high 18 points, while Anderson added 17. Returning to the court, Raven Preston led the team in rebounds (9) and steals (3).

THE RUNDOWN

• Elon opened the first quarter with a 6-2 run, extending their lead to 10-2 with back-to-back baskets from Raven Preston. A step-back jumper from Iycez Adams later put the Phoenix up 14-5 with 3:53 left in the quarter. High Point responded with a 7-1 run to narrow Elon's lead to 15-12 by the end of the quarter. The Phoenix forced six turnovers and shot 46.7% (7-for-15) from the floor during this period.
• The Panthers tied the score at 15-15 early in the second quarter and took their first lead, 19-17, at the 8:33 mark. The teams traded baskets, with Preston making a steal and layup to cut High Point's lead to 27-25. The Panthers closed the half with a 4-0 run, taking a 31-25 lead into the break.
• High Point outscored Elon 11-3 in the first half of the third quarter, but the Phoenix answered with an 8-2 run to close the gap to 44-36 heading into the final period. The Phoenix forced eight turnovers in the third quarter.
• Elon cut the deficit to six at 44-38 with an Adams basket to start the fourth quarter. The teams exchanged points before the Phoenix went on an 8-2 run, highlighted by baskets from Anderson, Angel, and Maraja Pass, to make it a three-point game at 52-49. High Point answered quickly, but Anderson's three free throws and Angel's three-pointer put Elon ahead 55-54. Another three-pointer from Angel gave the Phoenix a three-point cushion with 2:33 left. High Point briefly regained a two-point lead at 60-58, but Anderson's jumper tied it up. Adams hit two free throws, and Anderson followed with a clutch layup, giving Elon a 64-60 lead with 32 seconds to go. The teams traded free throws, and the Panthers hit a three-pointer at the end of regulation, but it wasn't enough as Elon secured a 66-65 victory.

NOTES

• Iycez Adams, Laila Anderson, Kamryn Doty, Maraja Pass, and Raven Preston started for the Phoenix.
• Jayda Angel led the team with 18 points off the bench, shooting 8-for-13 from the field and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. She also contributed two rebounds and a steal.
• Anderson scored 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting and added two assists.
• Preston flirted with a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds, along with a team-high three steals.
• Pass recorded a team-high four assists, along with four points and two rebounds.
• Adams contributed two blocks and was second on the team in rebounds with four.
• As a team, Elon forced 24 turnovers, including 10 steals, while only committing 11 turnovers.

UP NEXT

• The Phoenix will be back at Schar Center this Friday night to host Gardner-Webb. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.