Raven Preston delivered a standout performance for the Elon women’s basketball team, recording her first double-double of the 2024-25 season with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Despite her efforts, the Phoenix were unable to overcome Marshall, losing 65-56 in a tough road matchup on Wednesday night. The game proved to be a challenging contest, with Elon showing promise but falling short in key moments.
Game Recap: A Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: A Strong Start and Early Struggles
Elon started the game strong, taking a 5-2 lead thanks to a jumper from Kamryn Doty and an and-one from Iycez Adams. However, Marshall quickly found their rhythm and moved ahead 8-7. Elon responded to regain the lead at 10-8, but Marshall shifted momentum with three consecutive three-pointers, pushing their advantage to 17-10. Elon showed resilience as Maraja Pass hit two crucial jumpers to close the quarter, trimming Marshall’s lead to 19-15.
Second Quarter: Trading Baskets
Marshall began the second quarter with back-to-back scores, but Elon fought back with a jumper from Raven Preston and two free throws from Iycez Adams to narrow the gap to 23-19. Both teams exchanged baskets, with Elon doing well to keep Marshall’s lead in check. Alyssa Ervin provided a spark for the Phoenix, hitting consecutive shots to bring the score to 30-25. Marshall, however, was able to extend their lead just before halftime, going into the break with a 32-25 advantage.
Third Quarter: A Tough Battle
Marshall took control of the third quarter early, launching an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 40-25. Elon showed resilience with a 9-1 run of their own, closing the gap to 41-34. The teams exchanged a few more baskets, but Marshall ended the quarter strong with a 6-0 run, leaving Elon facing a 50-36 deficit heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter: A Late Surge Falls Short
Elon’s Raven Preston sparked a glimmer of hope in the fourth quarter with five consecutive points, cutting the deficit to 50-40. Samira Khalil’s three-pointer further brought the Phoenix within seven at 50-43. Despite Marshall pushing their lead back to double digits, Elon fought back with an 8-2 run. Regina Walton nailed a crucial three-pointer, narrowing the score to 56-52. However, Marshall answered with a key three-pointer of their own with 46 seconds left, pushing their lead to 63-54. Free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory for Marshall as Elon fell 65-56.
Elon women’s basketball team (image via Getty)Key Performances and Takeaways
Raven Preston:
Preston’s double-double performance was the highlight for Elon. Her 12 points and 14 rebounds helped keep the Phoenix competitive throughout the game. Her contributions on both ends of the court were vital in staying within reach of Marshall, even when the Herd seemed to have control.
Team Dynamics:
While Elon had promising moments, they struggled with Marshall’s three-point shooting and found it difficult to maintain consistent defensive pressure. Despite their late-game surge, the Phoenix were unable to execute effectively in the final moments. This loss showed that while Elon has the potential, closing out games will be key moving forward.
The Phoenix now look ahead to their next challenge as they seek to bounce back from this tough loss. Etruesports will continue to provide updates on Elon’s progress, focusing on the team’s development and adjustments in both offense and defense. Elon will need to regroup, sharpen their defensive strategies, and capitalize on opportunities if they are to turn their season around. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage and analysis of the Phoenix’s journey through the remainder of the season.
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