Wesleyan hoopsters fall in Elon University exhibition, 77-53

Elon, NC - Adam Constantine and Brett James each pounded out double-doubles in leading their Division I Elon University hoops squad to a 77-53 exhibition men’s basketball triumph over North Carolina Wesleyan on Monday night in Alumni Gym.  Senior Jarvis Cobb had 14 points for the Bishops, who competed in the first of two exhibitions this week.

Wesleyan reeled off eight consecutive points to transform a 14-8 deficit into a 16-14 edge on a three-point bomb by Cobb with 10:15 left to play in the first half. The Phoenix responded with a 16-5 run to take command at 30-21 on a lay-up by T.J. Douglas with 2:10 remaining before the break.

Cobb sank a jumper to pull North Carolina Wesleyan within 30-23 with four seconds to go in the opening period to determine the halftime score. In the second stanza, Elon outscored the Battling Bishops 33-14 during one stretch to turn a 44-37 edge into a 77-51 cushion on a basket by Devan Carter with 2:01 left.

Constantine pounded out 20 points and 18 rebounds, while James had 20 points and 12 boards.  James and Brian Waters each dished out five assists, and Montell Watson chipped in 11 points for the Phoenix.

In addition to Cobb's 14, junior Adam Coleman netted 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Junior transfer Buddy Williams posted eight points and six boards for the Battling Bishops.

Elon fired 45.3 percent (29-of-64) from the field and 63.0 percent (17-of-27) from the free throw line, while North Carolina Wesleyan hit 34.4 percent (21-of-61) of its shots from the floor and 58.3 percent (7-of-12) of its tries from the stripe.

The Phoenix won the battle of the boards 54-29 and outscored the Battling Bishops 40-26 in the paint. Each team committed 15 turnovers.

Wesleyan plays its second and final exhibition on Friday night when the Bishops host the Kazakhstan National Team.  Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Everett Gymnasium.