Rapid Reaction as the Elon Phoenix (9-7, 4-1) defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts (7-10, 4-1) 80-67 Monday night.

Players of the Game

Junior forward Lucas Troutman posted a double-double for the Phoenix, scoring 20 points and posting 10 rebounds. Jack Isenbarger, junior guard, heated up in the second half, pouring in 16 points, as he knocked down three treys and hit all five of his free throw attempts. Junior forwards Sebastian Koch and Ryley Beaumont each had strong games for the Phoenix as Koch dropped 15 points and Beaumont added 12 points of his own, following his career-high 26 points on Saturday night.

Trey Sumler carried the scoring load for the Catamounts. The junior forward exploded for 32 points, draining five three pointers.

Turning Point: 15-0 Run By Elon Aids Phoenix to Victory

Western Carolina outscored the Phoenix 31-27 in a back-and-forth first half. The Phoenix had a 21-14 advantage at one point, but an 11-1 run by the Catamounts put Western Carolina on top as they went into intermission with a slim lead.  The Phoenix and Catamounts traded baskets and leads for the first eight minutes of the second half. A three pointer by freshman guard Rhett Harrelson gave the Catamounts a 48-47 with 11:20 to go. The Phoenix then responded with a 15-0 run that got started with a jump shot by sophomore forward Ryan Winters. Sebastian Koch added a three pointer during the run and Jack Isenbarger connected on two jumpers from behind the arc as the scoring outburst gave the Phoenix a 62-48 lead that proved to be too much for the Catamounts to overcome.

Elon Catches Break With Tankelewicz Out

Western Carolina declared junior forward Tom Tankelewicz academically ineligible on Monday and will be out indefinitely. Tankelewicz has averaged 10 points per game for the Catamounts and has drained 44 three pointers in 16 games played this season. With Tankelewicz out, freshman guard Mike Brown got the start and junior Brandon Boggs moved from shooting guard to the forward position. Brown scored 10 points while Boggs added six for the Catamounts.

Austin Hamilton Leaves Game With Leg Injury

Elon sophomore guard Austin Hamilton had to be helped off the court by an assistant coach after injuring his leg. Hamilton suffered the injury on a play where he drove to the hoop and went up for a layup, coming down hard on his leg. He hobbled into the locker-room with just over five minutes remaining in the first half.  Hamilton was unable to return to the game, as he was held scoreless for the night, finishing with two rebounds, a pair of assists and a steal.

What It Means

Elon (9-7, 2-2) recorded arguably its most impressive win on the season by defeating Western Carolina, who won their first four conference games. Elon is back to the .500 mark in conference play as the Phoenix won its first SoCon game against an opponent from the North Division. The Phoenix continues its stretch of four games in seven nights with a home game against Furman on Thursday night. Elon then hosts Wofford on Saturday night at Alumni Gym to conclude its busy week. Elon and Western Carolina will square off again Feb. 16 at Alumni Gym.