ELON, N.C. – Despite a furious second-half comeback and a career-high 29 point showing from sophomore Bre Bolden, the College of Charleston women's basketball team fell short on Sunday to the Phoenix of Elon University, 77-68, at Alumni Gymnasium.
After falling behind by as many as 17 points, the Cougars (3-12) came storming back over the first twelve minutes of the second half to take a two point lead with 8:36 to play in the game, but were eventually undone by a late 15-5 run from the Phoenix, who shot 90% from the charity strip (19-21) – including 10-for-10 over the final minute to hand the Cougars their third loss of the conference season.
Notwithstanding the result, it was an all-around good showing from the Cougars who won both the rebounding and turnover battles, while also grabbing eight steals and scrapping for 26 points in the paint. Individually, it was Bolden who set the gym alight, scoring 29 points, grabbing four rebounds and swiping four steals in 38 minutes of action. Senior sharp-shooter Erin Hall knocked down four treys en route to registering 16, while sophomore forward Courtney Gardner had a career game in her debut start, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Renewing a rivalry that dates back to both team's tenure in the Southern Conference, the early stages of the first half were a tightly contested affair. After Bolden and Luna-Castro scored on back-to-back possessions, Hall then knocked down a deep three-pointer to close the Elon lead to three. It was all Elon from there though as the Phoenix rattled off 20 of the next 28 points – courtesy of six first half three pointers from Zora Stephenson – to take a 30-15 lead with just 3:38 remaining in the opening stanza. Only an outstanding 14-point first half effort from Bolden kept the Cougars in the game as the host's carried a 38-24 lead in to the halftime break.
In a rousing second-half performance, the Cougars came out guns blazing to cut the deficit from 14 to four in just under three minutes of action. Led by Bolden and Hall, the Cougars continued to fight on both ends of the floor, eventually tying the game at 47-47 with ten minutes to go following a silky three-pointer from Bolden. After getting a stop on the other end, it was senior center Mikaela Hopkins who then gave the Cougars their first lead of the game; knocking down a turnaround jumper with 9:50 remaining to gift The College a 49-47 advantage.
After trading baskets and the lead over the next three minutes, the Cougars went ahead once more on a mid-range jumper from Jacqueline-Castro with 7:28 to go in the game. That was the last time the Cougars would lead, however, as the Phoenix embarked on a 15-5 run over the next five minutes, before hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to claim the 77-68 victory.
Up next for the Cougars is a Friday night (7 p.m.) home showdown with the Towson Tigers at TD Arena. Last season, the Cougars dropped both regular season matchups before eliminating the Tigers from the CAA Championship in March – advancing to the semifinals. The game also marks the Cougars second annual “Curing Kids Cancer” night.
Stay tuned to CofC Sports.com for more information on Friday night's important CAA collision.
