ELON, N.C. — The Elon women's basketball team (14-13, 8-8 CAA) overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, fueled by a dominant 20-point final frame from Raven Preston, to secure a thrilling 70-69 victory over CAA frontrunner North Carolina A&T (17-10, 13-3 CAA) on Senior Day.
 
Elon 70, North Carolina A&T 69
THE RUNDOWN

• The Phoenix jumped out to a 5-2 lead behind a jumper from Iycez Adams and an and-one from Maraja Pass. North Carolina A&T responded with a 10-2 run, taking a 12-7 advantage with 5:37 left in the first quarter. The teams exchanged baskets before another 6-0 run from the Aggies extended their lead to 21-11. Kamryn Doty then converted a reverse layup to close the quarter, with Elon trailing 21-13.
• North Carolina A&T extended their lead to 25-13 to start the second quarter until Elon responded with a strong 11-1 run to trail two at 26-24. The Aggies compiled a 7-0 run to pull their lead back to nine at 33-24. The teams traded baskets to close the quarter with North Carolina A&T leading 35-26 at the half.
• The teams went back and forth before back-to-back scores from the Phoenix trimmed the deficit to four at 39-35. However, the Aggies quickly responded with two baskets, extending their lead back to eight at 43-35. The Phoenix fought back with an 8-2 run, capped by a three-pointer from Maraja Pass, bringing Elon within two at 45-43. North Carolina A&T answered once more, pushing their lead back to seven at 50-43 and ultimately closing the quarter ahead 53-45.
• It was a back-and-forth battle to start the fourth quarter. Back-to-back buckets from Preston once again trimmed the deficit to four at 61-57, but the Aggies responded to extend their lead back to 69-60 with 3:52 remaining. The Phoenix fought back as Preston scored seven straight points, bringing Elon within one at 69-68. A strong defensive stand gave Elon possession, where Pass was fouled on a three-point attempt. Pass sank two free throws, putting the Phoenix ahead. Elon's defense held firm on the final possession, securing a thrilling 70-69 victory over North Carolina A&T.

NOTES

• Elon maintained its starting lineup of Iycez Adams, Laila Anderson, Ava Leroux, Maraja Pass, and Raven Preston.
• Raven Preston recorded a career-high 31 points, including a personal-best five three-pointers, leading the team in scoring for the 11th time this season. She also grabbed a team-high six rebounds.
• Adams led the Phoenix with three blocks, while Anderson contributed a team-best two steals.
• Leroux and Pass each dished out a team-high five assists, marking a career-high for Leroux.
• Preston became just the fifth CAA player this season to score 30 or more points in a game.
• The Phoenix dominated in key areas, outscoring the Aggies in points off turnovers (24-14), blocks (6-0), steals (7-5), and offensive rebounds (8-6).

UP NEXT      

• The maroon and gold wraps up its regular season this weekend with a pair of road matchups at Northeastern and Monmouth. Thursday's game against the Huskies is set to begin at 7 p.m., Saturday's contest against the Hawks will tip off at 2 p.m.