ELON, N.C. – Elon University scored 52 points in the second half to break open a close game and claimed an 83-55 win over the Towson University women's basketball team on Friday night in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) action. Senior guard Raven Bankston led the Tigers' offensive efforts with 17 points.

THE BASICS
Elon 83, Towson 55
Alumni Gym, Elon, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Towson jumped out to an early 7-2 lead as redshirt junior guard Raine Bankston had five points by the 8:38 mark.
• Sophomore guard Sianni Martin's at 7:20 of the stanza gave the visitors a 9-6 edge.
• Elon used a 6-0 run to take a 12-9 lead with 3:08 left in the period.
• The Phoenix pushed its lead to three, 16-13 with 1:03 showing on the clock.
• Junior center Daijha Thomas connected on a lay-up for the final basket of the quarter and Elon led 16-15 after 10 minutes.
• Raven Bankston scored six of the first eight points in the second quarter and Towson took a 21-18 lead with 8:18 to play in the stanza.
• Elon used a 10-3 run to take a 28-24 lead with 3:53 left in the period. Shay Burnett scored half of the Phoenix's points during that stretch.
• Burnett connected on 1-of-2 from the foul line with 1:17 showing on the clock. That gave the home team a 31-25 advantage, the Phoenix's largest lead of the half.
• Raine and Raven Bankston each went 2-for-2 from the foul line in the final 1:02 and Towson trailed by just two, 31-29 at the half.
• The two teams traded baskets to open the third quarter, Martin's lay-up at 6:56 pulled the Tigers to within three, 36-33.
• Elon used an 11-0 run to push its advantage to 47-33 with 3:57 to play in the period. That run gave the Phoenix a double-digit lead it would not relinquish.
• Towson scored eight of the final 15 points in the third quarter but Elon led 56-43 after three periods of play. Martin and junior guard Shanea Butler each had four points during that closing stretch.
• Elon maintained an advantage of 14 points or better throughout the fourth quarter and claimed the 83-55 victory.

 
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Towson was effective from the foul line making 21-of-26 (80.8%) chances. Martin and the Bankstons each made six or more shots from the foul line.
• It was the second straight game and sixth time this season the Tigers have shot 80 percent or better from the charity stripe.
• Raven Bankston led Towson with 17 points while Raine Bankston had 12 points, four steals and four rebounds.
• Martin was the third Tiger in double figures as she finished with 12 points.
• Redshirt sophomore center Maia Lee had a team-high six rebounds in her first start of the season.
• Towson grabbed 10 steals for the second straight game. It was the 14^th time this season the Tigers have recorded double digit steals in a game.
• Burnett led Elon with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.  

The Tigers remain on the road to visit the College of Charleston on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. The Tigers won the first meeting against the Cougars as Raven Bankston hit the game-winning basket in the final seconds.