The Elon Phoenix (17-12, 8-8 CAA) are set to face the Monmouth Hawks (11-18, 9-7 CAA) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at the OceanFirst Bank Center in West Long Branch, New Jersey. This Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) matchup holds significant implications for both teams as they approach the end of the regular season.
Team Performance and Statistics
Elon enters the contest aiming to improve upon their 8-8 conference record. The Phoenix average 73.8 points per game, shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 68.7 points per game, with opponents shooting 39.8% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. Notably, Elon excels in rebounding, averaging 37.1 boards per game, which ranks them 8th nationally.
Monmouth, currently on a two-game winning streak, boasts a 9-7 conference record. The Hawks average 70.3 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.9% and a three-point shooting percentage of 34.5%. Defensively, they concede 75.9 points per game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field. Monmouth’s recent form has been impressive, winning six of their last eight games, including a 78-73 victory over Northeastern.
Head-to-Head Matchup
This season, Elon and Monmouth have met once, with the Phoenix securing an 83-71 victory at home on January 23, 2025. In that game, TJ Simpkins led Elon with 26 points off the bench, while Monmouth’s offense struggled, shooting 39% from the field. The all-time series favors Elon 2-1, with the Phoenix winning both home and away contests.
Key Players to Watch
- Elon Phoenix: Junior guard TK Simpkins leads the team with 15.8 points per game, shooting 43.5% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. Center Sam Sherry contributes 14 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, providing a strong presence in the paint. The status of key players Nick Dorn and TJ Simpkins remains uncertain due to lower body injuries sustained in recent games.
- Monmouth Hawks: Sophomore guard Abdi Bashir Jr. is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 20.1 points per game and recently setting a program record for most three-pointers in a season. Guard Madison Durr adds 13.1 points and 3.1 assists per game, while forward Jack Collins leads the team in rebounds with 5.9 per game.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Both teams are vying for improved seeding in the upcoming CAA tournament. Elon’s strong rebounding and defensive efficiency could pose challenges for Monmouth’s offense. However, Monmouth’s recent momentum and home-court advantage may provide them with an edge. Considering both teams’ current form and key player performances, this matchup is expected to be closely contested.
Prediction: Monmouth Hawks 74, Elon Phoenix 72.
Fans can watch the game live on FloCollege (FloHoops) via a paid subscription or listen to the Elon Sports Network’s coverage on The Varsity Network App.
