https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvkMiSO2i5A&feature=youtu.be
The Elon women's basketball team used hot shooting and smothering defense against Appalachian State to walk out of Alumni Gym 66-54 winners on Friday Jan. 17
This win improves Elon's record to 7-10 overall and 3-3 in conference play for the season.
Elon got out to a quick 14-4 lead in the first half thanks to lights out shooting from Jessica Farmer, who finished with a career high 19 points. Farmer shot an astounding 7 of 9 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free throw line. Sam Coffer led the Phoenix with 12 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive end of the floor.
The Phoenix shot 53.8% from the field in the first half. On the defensive end, they held Appalachian State to 22.2% shooting and only 17 points. 17 points ties a season low for the Mountaineers for points scored in a half. Ohio State held them to 17 points in the first half of their matchup on Dec. 20, 2013.
To go along with Farmer's game high 19 points, Kelsey Harris had 10 points and Sam Coffer and Jenifer Rhodes added nine apiece.
When asked about Maryah Sydnor's performance, Elon head coach Charlotte Smith said, " I feel like we were a lot more alert defensively and we were aware of where she was in the first half. In the second half I think we kind of got a little bit preoccupied with the weak side action and lost sight of her".
Elon hosts a tough Western Carolina team who is 9-8 on Sunday at 2pm. Western Carolina is coming off two straight wins against Samford and UNC Greensboro. Elon will be looking to make it three straight wins against Southern Conference opponents.