ELON, N.C. – The Towson University women's basketball team started conference play on Friday night against the Elon Phoenix. The Tigers (8-3, 1-0 CAA) defeated the Phoenix (4-10, 0-1 CAA) 58-53 at the Schar Center. 

Patricia Anumgba led the Tigers with 15 points, a season-high seven rebounds and two steals. Kylie Kornegay-Lucas had 12 points with nine rebounds, two steals and two assists.
 
Key Stats vs Elon:

• The Tigers went 17-of-22 (77.2%) from the free throw line, while the Phoenix went 4-of-9 (44.4%).
• Towson won the rebounding battle 40-36 and have finished with 40 or more rebounds for the sixth time this season. 

How It Happened vs Elon:

• Both teams opened the first quarter by trading baskets with the Phoenix having a 10-9 edge.
• Towson finished the first quarter on a 5-0 run, led by Alexia Nelson's three-point play to have a 14-10 advantage.
• The Tigers started the second quarter with a 7-2 run capped off by a Kayla Morris stepback jumper to take a 21-12 lead.
• The teams exchanged baskets, before Elon closed out the quarter on a 12-2 run to have a 26-25 edge at halftime.
• The third quarter started with both teams making early baskets.
• Towson regained the lead after a 6-0 run led by Patricia Anumgba's four points.
• The teams traded small runs with the Phoenix scoring two late baskets to tie the score at 38 going into the fourth quarter.
• The Tigers gained a two-point advantage early in the fourth quarter after knocking down five free throws.
• Elon responded with an 8-2 run to take a 49-45 edge with 4:45 left.
• The teams went back-and-forth, before a 6-0 run by Kylie Kornegay-Lucas gave Towson a 54-51 lead with 2:19 remaining. 
• The Phoenix scored on the following possession, but Anumgba made her fifth basket of the night on a driving layup to restore a three-point lead.
• The Tigers held Elon scoreless for the final 1:47 as Quinzia Fulmore's two free throws sealed a 58-53 victory.

Inside the Numbers vs Elon:

• Kayla Morris finished with a season-high nine points, four rebounds and two blocks.
• The teams combined for 2-of-23 from behind the arc with each team knocking down one triple.
• Kylie Kornegay-Lucas had nine rebounds for the sixth time this season.
• The Phoenix did not make a three-pointer or free throw until the fourth quarter.
• Towson starts 1-0 in conference play for the second time in the last three years.

Next Game:

• The Tigers will stay in North Carolina to play North Carolina A&T on Sunday, Jan. 7th at 2 p.m. on FloHoops.