Elon, NC - Tyler Hood led all scorers with 25 points as the Samford Bulldogs defeated the Elon Phoenix, 86-80, in a Southern Conference matchup at Alumni Gym.
The Bulldogs (5-12, 2-4 SoCon) had four players in double-figures. Drew Windler finished with 21 points, Raijon Kelly scored 19 points and dished out seven assists, and Will Cook added 13 points.
Drew Spradlin led four Phoenix (8-9, 3-3) in double-figures with 19 points, while Jack Isenbarger scored 15 points, Lucas Troutman finished with 12 and Ryley Beaumont chipped in 10 points.
Samford came out hot in the first half, hitting on 53.1 percent of its field goals, including 7-of-14 from three-point range. Elon struggled however, making just 35.5 percent of its shots from the field, including 6-of-19 beyond the arc, The Bulldogs used a 16-7 run to end the half to take a 45-37 advantage into halftime.
Elon shot much better in the second half, connecting on 66.7 percent of their field goals and knocking down 5-of-8 from three-point range. After Elon opened the second half on a 13-3 run to go ahead by two, Samford scored the next seven points to regain the lead. While the Phoenix were able to cut their deficit to two on several occasions, they were never able to get back over the hump and the Bulldogs held on for the victory, snapping a five-game road losing streak.
Samford hit on 44.4 percent of its shots after the break, including 9- of-16 from three-point range.
The teams went a combined 27-of-59 from three-point range. Elon's bench outscored the Samford reserves, 31-6.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network/ WFMY News 2 Sports