Long’s 15 points, clutch free throws leads Elon past Davidson 66-59 in the SoCon tournament

Elon holds off Davidson 66-59 in SoCon tourney

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Chris Long scored 15 points, including four clutch free throws in the final minute, as Elon beat Davidson 66-59 on Friday in the first round of the Southern Conference Tournament.

Long’s free throws were apart of a 6-0 run to end the game after the Phoenix led 60-59 going into the final minute.

The victory moved Elon (9-22), the sixth seed in the SoCon North, into a Friday quarterfinal matchup against Western Carolina. The Phoenix’s win over Davidson avenged a 99-96 double overtime loss on Feb. 27 after the Wildcats hit two 3-pointers in the final 3 seconds.

Elon led by as many as 11 in the second half, then weathered Davidson’s (16-15) attempted rally.

The Phoenix also got 16 points from Adam Constantine, 13 from Drew Spradlin, and 11 from Terrance Birdette.

J.P. Kuhlman scored 12 points the Wildcats (16-15), who were the No. 3 seed in the SoCon South.