Samson scores 23, leads Elon past VMI 87-70

Dec 3, 2013, 10:42 pm

ELON, N.C. -- Tanner Samson scored a career-high 23 points, Lucas Troutman added 21 and Elon defeated VMI 87-70 Tuesday night.

Samson scored ten straight points, including two 3-pointers as Elon (5-4) stretched its lead to 59-43 with 12:03 remaining. Samson finished with five 3-pointers and grabbed a career-best nine rebounds. Troutman was 8 of 9 from the floor.

Elon led by as many as 16 points in the first half. VMI (4-4) was able to close the gap to six early in the second half before the Phoenix went on a 12-0 run.

The Keydets shot 39 percent from the field while finishing below their average of 88 points per game. QJ Peterson, who averages 22.4 points per game, scored 14. Jordan Weethee had a team-high 15 points to lead all-five Keydet starters in double figures.