ELON, N.C. - Appalachian State women's basketball faced a challenge Monday night in a 75-58 loss to a fast-paced Elon in a contest that saw four lead changes and three knotted scores.
With the loss, the Mountaineers (18-7, 12-5 SoCon) split the season with the Phoenix (15-12, 12-6 SoCon).
Appalachian ran neck-and-neck with Elon early in the first half, recording three knotted scores just 11:29 into the game (11-11). The Phoenix would jump ahead as they outscored the Mountaineers 9-2 over the next 4:19, while Ali Ford swished a three to give the Phoenix their first double-digit lead (23-13). The Mountaineers would keep things in check in the remaining minutes of the first period as Maryah Sydnor's layup, followed with a three, would pull the Apps within six (34-28) heading into the locker room.
The Black & Gold opened the second period on a high note as Courtney Freeman would grab a quick six points and bring the Mountaineers within one of the Phoenix (40-39) with 14:51 remaining. The Phoenix responded with twelve unanswered points, reaching another double-digit lead off an Ali Ford three (54-43). Elon would climb from there and never trail as the Phoenix entered a ten point run with 6:29 left in the contest and lead by as many as 21 points.
Sydnor snapped the run with a layup at the 2:08 mark and recorded the Mountaineers' final six points, but the effort would not be enough as Kelsey Evans laid in a basket to finalize Elon's 75-58 victory.
Sydnor finished with a game-high 25 points, and fell just shy of a double-deouble with nine boards and three steals for the Apps. The Mountaineers shot 40.7 percent (24-for-59) on the night, and matched Elon with 34 rebounds.
Ali Ford paced the Phoenix with 19 points, while Kelsey Evans pulled down eight rebounds. The Phoenix connected on 50.8 percent shooting (30-for-59).
GAME NOTES: The Mountaineers scored 28-of-58 points in the paint, and finished with two players in double-digits. Maryah Sydnor recorded 25 points, along with Courtney Freeman who added 13. Appalachian had 20 turnovers against the Phoenix, but grabbed eight steals. Elon finished with four double-digit players, including Kelsey Evans (18), Zora Stephenson (15), Ali Ford (19), and Jessica Farmer (10).
