Elon 64, Charleston Southern 51

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Junior forward Kitara McMoore posted her fourth-straight double-double as the Phoenix downed Charleston Southern 64-51 Friday evening in game three of the SpringHill Suites Holiday Classic at Halton Arena.  McMoore finished the contest with 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead Elon.

The win marks the first time the Phoenix (6-7) reached six wins before the semester break since 1999-00 season.

The Phoenix jumped out to an early 8-2 lead with help from consecutive buckets from sophomore forward Urysla Cotton.

Elon held a 19-9 double-digit advantage with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half, but Charleston Southern rallied, scoring 14 points to the Phoenix's seven to close the gap to three, 26-23, as the teams headed into the locker room.

McMoore led Elon through the first half with eight points and six rebounds in the first 20 minutes of play.  In the first stanza of play, Elon scored 20 of it's 26 points in the paint.

The Phoenix saw three players reach double digits in scoring, led by Cotton's 14.  Cotton went 7-11 from the floor, adding seven rebounds.  Senior guard Tierra Bumbrey poured in 11 points.

Elon shot 47.5% (28-59) from the floor, while holding CSU to 37.3% (22-59).

The Bucaneers fleeting lead of the game came with 15:10 remaining in the contest, but the Phoenix quickly regained control.

The Phoenix will take a break from action for the holidays, but will return to the court on Saturday, Jan. 5, hosting College of Charleston in the first home SoCon contest of the season.