T.J. Williams’ streak 16+ point games ended in Thursday’s loss to Elon. (Image Credit: Hoops Habit).
By: Christian Skroce
TJ Williams’ last-second layup came up short as Northeastern fell to Elon, 51-49 Thursday night at Matthews Arena.
Tyler Seibring and Brian Dawkins carried the Phoenix (13-9, 5-4 CAA) with tough interior play, totaling 15 and 12 points respectively. The teams went back and forth during the final minutes of the contest before Elon took the lead for good on a Seibring layup with 1:26 to go. A layup from NU junior Devon Begley brought NU (12-9, 5-4 CAA) within a point, 50-49, with seven seconds to go. After a foul, Elon’s Dainan Swoope hit one of two from the line, giving Williams a final chance that he failed to convert.
The loss was Northeastern’s fourth in conference play and extended their losing streak to four games.
“I told our guys, I thought it was a winning effort,” Northeastern coach Bill Coen said post-game.
“The scoreboard didn’t show it, but generally when you play harder than another team, you earn a victory, and I thought we played harder than them…That’s what makes it disappointing, because you know the effort was there. The execution has to be a little better.”
Both teams struggled to shoot the ball. Northeastern’s shooting woes began early and continued throughout the game, as the team finished 19-58 from the field and 7-32 from beyond the three-point line. Despite a late game push by Williams, the senior guard was unable to continue his streak scoring at least 16 points in every game this season. Williams was the only player in the country to score 16+ in every game this season.
Northeastern looks to end its losing streak in its next game, a home matchup with Towson on Saturday. Coverage will be on 104.9 WRBB and wrbbsports.com/listenlive starting at 6:45. Tipoff is set for 7 PM.
“They’re another really tough CAA opponent,” Coen said.
“A very physical bunch, great rebounding team. We’re going to have our hands full.”