Elon Phoenix men's basketball head coach Matt Matheny has a knack for being humble.

Even after his team has started 7-2, that seventh win coming on a blowout 109-67 victory over Division III opponent Lynchburg College Hornets.

"We missed assignments," Matheny said. "I thought Lynchburg played pretty well, especially for the first 25-30 minutes. When we made mistakes, they made us pay for it."

Despite missed assignments, mistakes and a rebounding game that still has "a lot of work to do" according to Matheny, Elon opens the season with the program's best record since 1990-91, when former coach Bob Burton led the team to a 14-2 record to begin the year.

"I like our start and it does give us a lot of confidence," Matheny said. "Our guys are very excited about the way we've been able to start, not only with the record but with some of the victories we've had. We've learned some great lessons in those victories."

The victory against the Hornets marks the fourth straight for the Phoenix, who shot 55-percent from the field, including 48-percent from three-point range, smack in the middle of exam weekend.

"There's a lot of adversity for the student-athlete to play a game during exams," Matheny said. "But anytime you play a game, there's going to be adversity. We're far from where we want to be, but I liked it. I liked how we played the entire game."

Matheny got double figures from seven players, including three off the bench.

"I think that helps us. I think that was a big factor in today's game," he said. "I felt like we were able to play 10-11 guys, and they all played and produced for us and I feel that was a difference in the second half."

One of those players was sophomore Egheosa Edomwonyi. Despite playing just 13 minutes, "Gose" had 12 points and three rebounds.

"Out of all the games we've played this year, this is the most effective I've been in my minutes," Edomwonyi said. "I'm happier when I'm productive in my limited minutes. We were a little sluggish at first, but we clamped down and did what we were told to do and it was a successful day for my team."

The other players who scored in double figures were led by sophomore forward Lucas Troutman, with 15 points and seven rebounds, and freshman guard Austin Hamilton, who picked up 16 points and five assists. Sophomore guard Sebastian Koch had 15 points and senior guard Drew Spradlin had 14, while sophomore guard Jack Isenbarger picked up 13 and junior forward Brett Ervin contributed 10 points each off the bench.

"We have so many weapons," Hamilton said. "Any given night anybody can go for double digits. We're gonna be really good come conference play."

Another key facet for the Phoenix was the rebounding game. After out-rebounding their opponents in just one of their prior six wins, Elon grabbed 47 boards to Lynchburg's 39.

"Being able to pull down more rebounds than the other team is more important, and we have to be consistent in that," Edomwonyi said. "I feel like if we're more consistent with that, the point margin will increase between us and our opponents."

Elon will have those skills tested in their next three game. The Phoenix play Dartmouth College Dec. 17, San Diego State University Dec. 22 and the University of North Carolina Dec. 29, all away from Alumni Gym, to close out the 2011 calendar year.

"Our road stretch here is going to be difficult, but I think we're ready to face the challenge," Matheny said. "Each game presents different adversities. The good start helps our confidence and has helped prepared us for this road trip"