The Elon University men’s basketball team defeated Bluefield 103-66 to win their first game of the season Nov. 9. It was a strong outing for the Phoenix, who lost 90-76 against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in a tough battle Nov. 4. Elon led wire-to-wire after the 12:28 mark in front of an energetic crowd for their first home game of the season.
The Phoenix began the game trading baskets with Bluefield for the first 13 minutes before going on an 18-0 run to stretch the lead to 30-13. Junior guard TK Simpkins and sophomore transfer guard TJ Simpkins helped fuel Elon’s scoring run — combining for 9 of the 18 points.
Bluefield did cut Elon’s lead to single digits with just over 5 minutes left in the first half, but Elon closed out the half on a 19-8 run to lead 53-33.
Although Elon shot below 40% from 3, they converted over 50% of their shots as a whole during the half.
Both of the Simpkins brothers reached double figures, while graduate transfer center Matthew Van Komen accounted for 6 of Elon’s 9-second chance points. Van Komen finished the game with 13 points.
Head coach Billy Taylor said TJ did a good job driving to the basket and putting pressure on Bluefield’s defense.
“TJ came in and just attacked,” Taylor said in a post-game press conference. “He was in the paint repeatedly, he made his jump shots and is always on the attack. He brings great energy off the bench.”
Redshirt sophomore Andrew King shoots despite numerous defenders during a game against Bluefield University on Nov. 10.
Van Komen credited his production to senior forward Sam Sherry for attracting multiple Bluefield defenders, thus giving him chances to score.
“Sam had a great game against Carolina and there were a lot of defenders on him so that took the pressure off me,” Van Komen said. “We had a lot of high lows throughout the game.”
Elon continued to expand their lead in the second half. Sophomore guard Nick Dorn led all players in scoring with 8 points and 3 rebounds. TJ also contributed with 7 points off the bench.
The Phoenix led by as many as 39 points at one point and it was its first game scoring at least 100 points since defeating Bridgewater last season Dec. 15, 2023.
Five Elon players scored at least 10 points, while the bench had 46 points. They also had 22 fastbreak points and 23 second-chance points.
TJ scored 21 of Elon’s 46 bench points. Taylor emphasized the team’s desire to score quickly without letting the opponent get back on defense.
“We have a standard in transition,” Taylor said. “We want to be down the floor in four seconds or less. We’ve got some playmakers that can really get downhill and finish.”
Van Komen said that second chance points are an essential part of his game as he values being productive in that area.
“I pride myself a lot in that,” Van Komen said. “One of my big things is rebounding and getting points in the paint.”
Elon outrebounded Bluefield 50-33 with Van Komen’s 8 rebounds leading the team.
Taylor said that while there’s still work to be done, he was very encouraged by Elon’s showing after their performance against North Carolina.
“I was pleased with how the game went for us,” Taylor said. “A lot of excitement came from the Carolina game about what we can become and while we’re not there yet, we had some really bright spots.”
The victory gives Elon a 1-1 record. It is their sixth straight win at Schar Center to open the season.
Elon will rest for six days before traveling to face Gardner-Webb at 7 p.m. Nov. 15.