The Elon University women’s basketball team defeated High Point University 66-65 to win its first game of the season Nov. 4. It was a roller coaster game as a hot start turned into a 15-point deficit in the third quarter. However, hot fourth quarter shooting proved to be the difference in a thrilling opening night victory.
The Phoenix went into the season hoping to improve on its 11-21 record last year and wasted no time getting ahead in the opening minutes. They jumped out to a 15-7 lead thanks to redshirt sophomore guard Raven Preston. She scored 6 early points in her first game since the 2022-23 season.
High Point, who went 20-12 last season, chipped away at Elon’s lead going on an 8-0 run to tie the game early in the second quarter.
They took the lead off a layup by senior guard Jaleesa Lawrence who had seven points in the second quarter. Both teams would trade the lead before High Point reached 31-25 at halftime. While Elon’s field goal percentage exceeded High Point’s, the team failed to score in the final 6 minutes of the first half.
Head coach Charlotte Smith said Elon’s offense became stagnant, and they were starting to force more shots.
“I felt like we weren’t locked in on executing our offense, and our shot selection wasn’t great during that stretch,” Smith told Elon News Network. “You have to give them credit because they are a very good defensive team.”
A fast break layup from sophomore guard Maraja Pass early in the second half broke Elon’s scoreless drought.
However, High Point’s efficiency continued with back-to-back 3 pointers to go up by double digits 39-27. They proceeded to build a 44-29 lead when senior guard Shakira Bakersville scored with under three minutes left in the third quarter.
“We got to be more locked in on defensive assignments and not have miscues,” Smith said.
Elon did respond with a small 7-0 run to get within single digits heading into the fourth quarter.
After trading baskets with High Point early in the final period, the Phoenix managed to fully regain its scoring efficiency over the final five minutes.
The comeback was engineered by freshman guard Jayda Angel and junior transfer guard Laila Anderson, who combined to score 15 points in three minutes. Angel hit back-to-back 3 pointers to put Elon up 58-55. It was their first lead since early in the second quarter.
Smith said she wasn’t surprised to see Angel step up. She stated that Angel earned the team’s trust to have the ball in the final minutes.
“We see that every day in practice, so that gives me all the confidence in the world to put the ball in her hands even as a first year,” Smith said. “We have someone that we feel is a closer for us.”
High Point responded with 5 straight points, but Anderson tied the game at 60 with 1:36 left to play. After a defensive stop, senior transfer center Iycez Adams put Elon ahead with free throws with less than a minute remaining.
The Phoenix finished the game hitting 7 of its 8 shots, outscoring High Point 21-10 in that span.
Elon stretched its lead to two possessions when Anderson scored off an inbounds assist from Pass. She would then seal the game with free throws to give Elon the win for its first game of the season.
The Phoenix finished the game with Anderson, Preston and Angel all scoring over 10 points. Angel led the team with 18 points in her collegiate debut.
“They have a tremendous offensive impact,” Smith said. “Those are our big three guards in terms of offensive firepower.”
The victory gives Elon a 1-0 record. It is their first win on opening night since the 2021-22 season.
Elon will rest for four days before hosting Gardner-Webb University at 7 p.m. Nov. 8.