It’s a non-conference clash between mid-major programs on the hardwood as a member of the CAA travels to the Hoosier State to face a program from the MVC. The Elon Phoenix are on the road as they make the trip to face the Valparaiso Beacons Sunday afternoon. Elon fell 69-63 on the road against Presbyterian in their previous contest Thursday afternoon, failing to cover as a 5.5-point underdog. Valparaiso was routed 98-61 on the road by Ole Miss in their previous contest on December 10, failing to cover as a 14.5-point underdog. This marks the first time that the two programs have met as Division I foes.
I just won $14,619 in parlay tickets in the month of November. Don't miss out on another big payday! Click here to get a month of my parlays for only $50 (normally $100)!
Elon played solid basketball for long stretches against Presbyterian on the road in their previous game but fell apart down the stretch to end up with the loss. The Phoenix dropped to 2-9 on the season so they are still looking for their first win over a Division I foe this season. Against Presbyterian, Elon led 11-0 six minutes into the game and remained up seven at halftime. The Phoenix led by 14 with 13:50 to play in the game and still held a 13-point edge with 11:44 to go before falling off a cliff. Elon was outscored 31-12 the rest of the way to wind up with the loss. The Phoenix shot 41.8% from the field, including eight of 24 from three-point range, and lost the rebounding battle 39-30. Sean Halloran led Elon with 15 points in the loss.
The Phoenix put up an average of 68.9 points per game, putting them 259th in scoring offense so far this season. Elon collects an average of 34.5 r ebounds per contest while dishing out an average of 13.4 assists per game, which is 205th in the nation. The Phoenix are sputtering on the defensive end of the floor as they are 283rd in scoring defense as they allow 73.5 points per contest. Sean Halloran leads the team with 13.4 points plus five assists per game this season. Zac Ervin (11 points) and Max Mackinnon (10.2 points, five rebounds) each average in double figures. Torrence Watson, Sam Sherry, JaDun Michael, John Bowen III, RJ Noord and LA Pratt are all important pieces of the rotation for coach Billy Taylor. The Phoenix is shooting 42.3% from the floor as a team on the year. Elon is drilling an average of 7.5 three-pointers per game while shooting 30.3% from long range this season. The Phoenix has been mediocre at the free throw line as they hit 69.5% of their chances on the year.