Saturday, December 15, 2012

SoCon Monster Game of the Week: Massachusetts 78, Elon 73

The Phoenix couldn't throw a ball into water. They shot under 30% from the floor for the game. They turned the ball sixteen times. They shot just 22.9% from three point range. They gave up 18 more free throws and made twelve less- on the road.

So how in the world did Elon take Massachusetts to overtime?

They made eight threes, as opposed to three by the Minutemen. They forced the Minutemen into eighteen turnovers, and took 22 more shots from the floor, thanks in large part to nine more offensive rebounds.

Elon showed again that they are a team that can be competitive with good teams and will be dangerous, not only in the SoCon, but if they get into the NCAA Tournament. Jack Isenbarger scored 22 points. Lucas Troutman put in 14 and collected ten rebounds. Austin Hamilton did not make a field goal- that was one of the major reasons the Phoenix were unable to come up with the win.

The Phoenix showed the grittiness and the toughness that it is going to take to do well in the future. Yes, this was a loss, and the Phoenix may need to learn how to win close games. Theire last two losses are by a combined seven points, with five of those points coming in overtime. Massachusetts obviously has that lesson learned- they are 5-0 in games decided by six points or less after this one.

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