TOWSON, Md. – The Elon University men's basketball team suffered an 80-55 setback at Towson on Monday night, Feb. 12, in a CAA contest at TU Arena.
 
Elon (10-15, 3-9 CAA) was led offensively by TK Simpkins, who posted a CAA-best 19 points for the Phoenix. Nick Dorn added 12 points for Elon, going 4-of-8 from three-point range.
 
Towson (15-10, 8-4 CAA) had three players reaching the double-digit scoring column. Tyler Tejada scored 17 points to pace the Tigers while Nendah Tarke added 15 off the bench. Charles Thompson had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds for Towson.
 
THE RUNDOWN
• The Phoenix got off to a good start with Simpkins scoring Elon's first six points on a four-point play and a jumper to help the maroon and gold to a 6-2 advantage by the first media timeout.
• A layup by Deandre Smart gave the Phoenix a four-point advantage, 10-6, with 13:22 left in the first half. After a media timeout, Sam Sherry hit a jump hook in the paint to put the Phoenix up 12-9.
• Towson countered with a 13-2 run over the next 3:51 to take the lead, 22-14, forcing a Phoenix timeout. Elon was able to chip away at the Tigers' lead to pull within four, 22-18, but a 7-1 run by the host put the Phoenix down double digits, 29-19, with 3:42 left in the half.
• Elon pulled it under double figures, 32-23, on a corner three-pointer from Max Mackinnon with 2:37 left in the opening period. The Tigers were able to go back up by double-digits, heading into the locker room with a 35-25 lead at the half.
• The Tigers opened the second half on a 10-3 run, improving their advantage to 45-28 with 15:14 left in the game. A Dorn three-pointer cut the Phoenix's deficit to 14, 45-31, with less than 15 minutes remaining.
• Elon would not get any closer than that as Towson would eventually pull away with a strong second half, leading to its 80-55 win.
 
NOTES
• Simpkins scored in double figures for the second straight game and for the fifth time in the past six games. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native is averaging 13.5 points per game during that stretch, while shooting 27-of-29 from the charity stripe.
• The Tigers extended their winning streak over the Phoenix to four games.
• Simpkins also led the Phoenix with six rebounds on the night.
 
UP NEXT
The Phoenix hosts Delaware in its next game on Thursday night, Feb. 15 at Schar Center. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.