WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Elon women's basketball team (13-9, 7-4 CAA) matched its best shooting performance of the season, hitting 50 percent from the field to secure a 70-56 victory over UNCW (12-13, 6-6 CAA).
 
Elon 70, UNCW 56
THE RUNDOWN

• Elon jumped out to a 14-6 lead midway through the first quarter and later extended the margin to 18-6 with 2:13 remaining. The Phoenix led 22-11 at the end of the period, with Raven Preston scoring a team-high nine points.
• In the second quarter, back-to-back buckets from Laila Anderson and Hannah Dereje pushed the Phoenix ahead 43-27. Another scoring surge gave Elon a commanding 47-29 lead at halftime.
• The teams traded baskets in the third quarter, with Elon maintaining a 57-42 advantage heading into the final frame.
• UNCW went on a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 59-51 with 4:59 remaining. However, a key and-one from Anderson and a jumper from Maraja Pass extended the lead back to 13 at 67-54. Pass sealed the win with another and-one, securing a 70-56 victory.

NOTES

• Ava Leroux returned to the starting lineup alongside Iycez Adams, Laila Anderson, Maraja Pass, and Raven Preston.
• Preston recorded her seventh double-double of the season, leading the team with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
• Adams (10), Anderson (11), and Angel (10) also scored in double figures.
• Adams and Pass shared the team lead with four assists, tying Adams' career high, while Hannah Dereje added a team-high two blocks.
• The maroon and gold shot a season-best 67.7 percent (21-for-31) in the first half. 
• Elon matched its season-high field goal percentage at 50 percent (31-for-62). 
• The Phoenix knocked down six three-pointers at a 50 percent clip (6-for-12), their second-best percentage from beyond the arc this season.
• Elon outrebounded UNCW 38-33, led in assists 15-10, and dominated points in the paint 38-26.

UP NEXT

• The Phoenix returns home to Schar Center on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. to host Campbell for the annual Play4Kay game.