Long scores 24, free throws help Elon withstand Gardner-Webb comeback for 84-79 victory

Long helps Elon hang on to beat Gardner-Webb 84-79

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Chris Long scored 24 points, including two free throws with 7 seconds left, to lift Elon over Gardner-Webb 84-79 on Saturday night.

The Phoenix (8-19) led the nonconference game 79-67 with 1:28 left before Anton Silver led a comeback that brought the Runnin’ Bulldogs (7-20) within three points, 82-79, with 11 seconds left.

After Silver, who scored 21 points, hit two free throws to start the comeback, Adam Constantine missed two for Elon. After Long made one of two, Silver’s layup made it 80-71.

Drew Spradlin missed two free throws for Elon and Silver sank a 3-pointer. After a turnover by Constantine, Silver hit a 2-pointer to make it 80-76 with 28 seconds left.

Grayson Flittner’s 3-pointer cut it to 82-79 with 11 seconds left after Constantine and Long each made one of two free throws.

Spradlin scored 18 points for Elon, and Flittner had 18 for Gardner-Webb.