Phoenix's Struggle on the Court - Elon vs. East Carolina

Opening Quarter Struggle

In Greenville, N.C., the Pirates got off to a quick start, leading 9-0 with 6:29 left in the first quarter. However, Elon showed great resilience and responded with an 8-0 run, capped by a Maraja Pass steal and Laila Anderson finish. This brought the score to 9-8, with Elon trailing by just one at the end of the quarter.

The Pirates' early lead was a tough obstacle for Elon to overcome, but their fight back demonstrated their determination to stay in the game.

Second Quarter Back-and-Forth

East Carolina scored first in the second quarter to take a 11-8 lead. But Elon quickly answered with three consecutive buckets from Iycez Adams, Anderson, and Raven Preston, giving them a 14-11 lead. The teams then traded baskets, with the Pirates regaining the lead at 17-16. However, Elon quickly reclaimed their advantage at 20-17.

East Carolina responded with a 10-4 run to close the half, entering the break with a 27-24 lead. This showed the ebb and flow of the game and the ability of both teams to make comebacks and take the lead.

Third Quarter Setback

The Pirates opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run, pushing their lead to double digits at 39-26. Preston responded with a bucket to bring the Phoenix within 11 at 39-28, but East Carolina quickly extended their advantage back to 15 points at 43-28. Adams closed the quarter with a step-back jumper, cutting into the deficit as Elon trailed 43-30 heading into the final quarter.

This quarter was a crucial turning point in the game, as East Carolina's strong offensive performance拉开了与 Elon 的差距.

Fourth Quarter Fight

Alyssa Ervin opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup and a free throw, cutting East Carolina's lead to 43-33. The Pirates responded with an 8-2 run, extending their advantage back to 16 points at 51-35 with 3:19 remaining. The teams traded baskets in the closing minutes, but the deficit proved too much as Elon fell to East Carolina 60-43.

Elon's fight in the final quarter showed their never-give-up attitude, but they were unable to overcome the large lead built by East Carolina.

Notably, Hannah Dereje made her first career start, joining Iycez Adams, Laila Anderson, Maraja Pass, and Raven Preston in the lineup. Preston shared the team-lead in points with 10, while also leading the team with nine rebounds, four steals, and five assists. Adams matched her season-high in points with 10, while also grabbing six rebounds and forcing one steal. Dereje added a block, and Anderson contributed two steals.

Looking ahead, the maroon and gold will take a trip to California, facing Southern California on Dec. 15 and Long Beach State on Dec. 19. Tipoff against the Trojans is set for 3 p.m. EST.