TK Simpkins delivered a career-defining performance Saturday night, scoring 32 points to power Elon past CAA heavyweight UNC Wilmington 81-70. The victory snapped the Seahawks' nine-game winning streak while bolstering Elon's conference tournament resume with three games remaining.
Simpkins dominated from tip-off, shooting 11/15 overall and an electrifying 8/10 from three-point range. His backcourt partner Isaac Harrell contributed 11 points, while TJ Simpkins (13 points) sank critical free throws late. This marks Elon's first win against a top-3 CAA opponent this season.
UNC Wilmington's Sean Moore countered with 28 points and 8 rebounds, but the Seahawks struggled defensively:
- Allowed 54% shooting from three-point range
- Outrebounded 31-28 despite size advantage
- Committed 14 turnovers leading to 18 Elon points
Elon seized control early, building a 46-39 halftime lead behind Simpkins' 16 opening-half points. The Phoenix maintained relentless offensive pressure, sinking 10 three-pointers compared to UNCW's 5.
When TK gets in rhythm like that, we're tough to contain,said Elon coach Billy Taylor. This proves we can compete with any team in the CAA tournament.
The loss drops UNC Wilmington (21-6, 11-3 CAA) into second place behind Charleston, while Elon (16-11, 7-7) climbs toward mid-conference seeding. Both teams return Thursday - Elon hosts Towson, while UNCW faces William & Mary on the road.