The (2-9) Elon Phoenix will visit the (2-8) Presbyterian Blue Hose this Thursday for a non-conference battle at the Ross E. Templeton Physical Education Center. Elon, 0-3 on the road this season, defeated Johnson & Wales (NC) 101-69 in its last game, snapping an eight-game losing streak. Its other victory came over Erskine in its season opener. Presbyterian, 2-1 at home this season, lost 68-57 at South Carolina on Sunday. It was its third straight loss and ninth loss in its past ten games. Tip-off is at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Elon is led by head coach Billy Taylor, who is in his first season at the helm after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa. He also served as the head coach at Lehigh, Ball State, and Belmont Abbey College. Elon welcomes back seven players from last season's roster, including five upperclassmen, and added two players from the transfer portal.
This season, the Phoenix score 69.5 points on 42.3 percent shooting, including 30.1 percent from three-point range. Elon's offensive efficiency rating, adjusted for schedule, is ranked 326nd in the nation, per KenPom.com. Its assist-to-turnover ratio is 0.94, 188th in the NCAA. Senior guard Sean Halloran paces Elon in scoring with 13.2 points on 45.5 percent shooting. He's also contributing 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. Elon counts on contributions from senior guard Zac Ervin (11.0 PPG), freshman guard Max Mackinnon (10.4 PPG and 5.2 R PG), and senior guard Torrence Watson (9.9 PPG and 4.8 RPG), among others.
ICYMI @sehalloran tied a program Division I record with 11 assists versus Johnson & Wales on Sunday!#phoenixrising pic.twitter.com/kRQaeZ4EGG
— Elon Men's Basketball (@ElonMBasketball) December 13, 2022
The Phoenix surrender 74.1 points per game on defense. Their opponents are shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from long range. Elon's adjusted defensive efficiency rating is 338th. It averages 31.4 rebounds per game, and its opponents average 34.1 rebounds.
In the blowout win over Johnson & Wales (NC), Elon shot 37-for-63 from the field (58.7%), including 14-for-27 from distance (51.9%). The Phoenix recorded 26 assists on 37 made field goals and outrebounded the Wildcats 43-28. Sophomore forward Sam Sherry led the team with 24 points and seven rebounds, Mackinnon scored 23, and Ervin contributed 19. Halloran added a program-record 11 assists.