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Elon Downs American, 70-55
Spriggs nets 14 in defeat

December 30, 2002

Chanel Spriggs scored 14 points for AU against Elon.

Gameday Central
American	70
Elon	55
Box Score
Points: Spriggs (AU) 14; Williams (Elon) 15 Rebounds: Hunt (AU) 7, McNatt (AU) 7; Nyborg (Elon) 13 Assists: Costenbader (AU) 2, McNatt (AU) 2; Chikos (Elon) 4, Miller (Elon) 4

ELON, N.C. — American University's women's basketball team dropped its second straight game, falling 70-55, to Elon. The Eagles fall to 6-4 on the season while Elon moves to 3-5. American was plagued by foul trouble all game with four Eagles fouling out. Chanel Spriggs netted 14 points for AU before fouling out and Chanel Hunt and Angel McNatt each scored 11 while grabbing seven rebounds.

American started quickly, opening a 6-0 lead behind baskets by Hunt, Spriggs and Maria Werries. However, the Phoenix held AU scoreless for over four minutes to climb back into the game.

The teams battled back-and-forth in the first half before Elon opened a six point advantage as the half came to a close. The Eagles battled back as McNatt made two free throws to cut the lead to two. Jessica Williams made one of her three three-pointers as time expired in the first half to push the Elon lead back to five.

American made a run early in the second half as a jumper by Hunt and a free throw by Spriggs brought AU to within three. An 11-2 run by the Phoenix over the next seven minutes pushed the Elon lead back to 12.

With just over five minutes to play, Elon held a 56-45 advantage over the Eagles. A basket by McNatt and a three-pointer by Katryn Costenbader cut the deficit to six, but AU would get no closer. AU could only manage five points over the final four minutes and the Phoenix made their free throws to pull away.

Elon outrebounded AU, 54-30 in the game including 24 offensive rebounds. The Eagles did make 19 steals while forcing the Phoenix into 31 turnovers. 34 total fouls called on AU helped lead to 42 free throw attempts by Elon which proved to be the difference in the game.

The Eagles next game will be Dec. 31 at No. 13 North Carolina. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.