The Monarchists

ODU Women’s Basketball Smashes Elon for Best Start Since ‘98-99

Gary Williams

Kaye Clark dropped in 15 points as the Monarchs dominated Elon 60-29 Tuesday night in Norfolk. ODU moves to 5-0 on the season, the program’s best start since the 1998-99 season.

That 1998-99 team was pretty elite. 28-4 overall, 16-0 in the CAA, a two seed in the NCAA Tournament with a Sweet 16 run and a #5 final ranking in the AP poll. Those Monarchs were an offensive juggernaut, scoring over 79 points a game. These current day Monarchs are a Hudson Blue Wall of defense.

Old Dominion has held opponents to a 30.6% shooting percentage, the fourth best percentage in the country. They also rank top 25 in rebounding margin.

Tuesday night in Norfolk, the defense was once again on full display. Elon’s highest scoring quarter was the 4th, they managed 11 points, their only double digit scoring quarter.

ODU jumped out to a 9-1 lead on a bucket from Kaye Clarke with 6:32 to go. But the shooting went cold, and Elon closed the half on an 8-2 run to pull within two at the end of the quarter.

After the Phoenix tied the game at 13 at the 5:42 mark of the second, Old Dominion’s offense woke up. Lanetta Williams and En’Dya Buford combined for the next nine points, leading to a 17-2 run to end the half.

 

It was all over at that point. ODU limited Elon to just 3 points in the third quarter while putting up 18 themselves and cruising to the 60-29 victory.

Clark finished with 15 points and four steals. Simone Cunningham dropped in eight points to go with 12 rebounds, two steals and a block. Buford had seven points, four boards, four assists and two steals.

ODU held a 43-37 edge on the glass, had 14 steals and limited Elon to 23.4% (11-for-47) from the field and 7.7% (1-for-13) from beyond the arc.

Photo Courtesy of CB Sports Photography

The Monarchs shot 36.8% (21-for-57) on the night including 25% (5-for-20) from three.

Offensively, Old Dominion still has room for improvement but tonight was a step in the right direction as this team continues to gel.

ODU will see a ramp up in competition over their next few contests, starting Thursday at 7pm when they travel to William and Mary. The Tribe are coming off a pair of wins to take the FIU Thanksgiving Classic Championship.

On Sunday, the Monarchs will welcome Florida Gulf Coast to Norfolk for a 1pm tip. The Eagles are 5-2 and just knocked off 18th ranked North Carolina in the Gulf Coast Showcase. Both of their losses are to ranked opponents.