After a devastating loss on the road to UNCG, Appalachian returned home to face North Division leader Elon. I have not been impressed with Elon’s wins in conference play this season. Anyone one in the North can beat or be beaten on any given night. Projecting this game was going to be tough. I thought Elon might be favored by a couple points, but also would not be surprised if Appalachian was favored by as many as 6 points.

The spread came out early on Saturday morning, and I had to make a decision that honestly did not come to me until about 5 minutes before tipoff. Appalachian was favored by 5.5. I was thinking Appalachian would win at home, but the question was the number of points. Elon was 3-1 on the road in conference play. I decided on Elon and eventually paid for it. Appalachian shot 54% for the game and cruised to any easy 15 point win. I have said in the past that Appalachian will be a tough win for any team if the Mountaineers shoot well. Appalachian was 19-25 in the second half and never really let Elon back in the game. My record fell again to 8-7 on the season. I have missed three of four games after starting the season 7-4.

Note: Elon fouled late in the game even with the game out of hand and put Appalachian on the free throw line where they struggled mightily. A flagrant foul was callled on an Elon player with 7 seconds remaining after a steal by Nathan Healy, who had a clear path to the rim for a dunk. The Elon player grabbed Healy from behind on both shoulders and threw Healy to the floor This could provide a interesting matchup when the two schools play again on February 6th…After starting the season 5-1 ATS, Elon is 2-9 since….Appalachian is 5-0 this season in lined home games…Appalachian is 10-5 this season ATS, the best record of any SoCon team by wins and percentage.