TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University women's basketball team defeated Elon, 66-54, in its Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opener Friday night. 

Anissa Rivera led the way for the Tigers, netting a season-high of 23 points while adding nine rebounds. Allie Kubek also played a key role in the win, dropping a 12-point, 11 rebound double-double. In addition, Aleah Nelson (12) joined the pair in double figures.  

Towson also had a strong showing on the defensive end, forcing 23 Elon turnovers for 21 points. The team also grabbed 15 steals as Rivera, Rayne Tucker and Kylie Kornegay-Lucas all led the way with three takeaways apiece. Kornegay-Lucas paced the squad with three blocks, to tie her career-high, in her first game donning the black & gold.  
 
Records 

• Towson – 10-1 (1-0 CAA)  
• Elon – 8-3 (0-1 CAA)  

How it Happened  

• Towson came out hot as Kubek hit a three-point field goal on the Tigers' first possession of the contest. Skye Williams followed up shortly after with a jumper to get Towson out to an early 5-4 lead.  
• Elon rallied to take the 11-9 edge toward the end of the opening quarter, but Towson finished strong, closing out the first quarter on a 7-0 run while simultaneously holding Elon scoreless.  
• In return, the Phoenix began the second on a 9-0 run, their biggest of the game.  
• Halfway through the second, the Tiger defense grabbed steals on three consecutive Elon offensive possessions, forcing seven turnovers in six minutes. The black & gold held the opposition to just 10 points in the quarter.  
• Kubek led her team into the locker room, totaling seven points, eight rebounds and two steals after 20 minutes.  
• Out of halftime, Elon hit three consecutive field goals to give the team the slight two-point advantage, 28-26.  
• The Tigers stayed consistent on defense however, forcing three turns and allowing no points through the middle 2:01 of the period while going on yet another big 9-0 run.  
• It was Rivera who stole the show in the third though, as she netted 18 points and shot 2-of-3 from deep. She also grabbed two boards and a steal. 
• Towson extended its lead in the final quarter of play, taking an 18-point lead at the 7:32 mark. Kornegay Lucas had her best 10:00 span of the night, netting five points while securing one steal. She ended with seven points in her first outing for Towson.  

Inside the Numbers   

• The 10-1 start is the best since the 2006-07 campaign when the team also came out to the same record. The victory also marks the seventh consecutive win for the team.  
• With three Tigers reaching double-digit scoring against the Phoenix, at least three players have cracked double figures in ten of eleven games so far this season. Nelson and Kubek have now also scored 10+ points in ten of eleven contests. 
• As Towson owned the 26-21 edge at the half, the team remains undefeated when leading at halftime. 
• Friday's contest boasted eight lead changes but it was Towson who stayed on top for the majority 30:11 of play.  
• The black & gold kept up their usual fast paced style of play, scoring 22 fast break points.  
• Kubek's double-double marks her second of the season and fifth of her career. 
• Towson committed just 10 fouls, allowing Elon only two chances from the charity stripe.  

Next Game  
 
The Tigers will continue CAA play at home on Sunday, Jan. 9 as they welcome William & Mary for a 1 p.m. contest. The Towson men's team will also take on Northeastern the same day at 4:30 p.m.