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Slow Start Puts Terriers in Trouble
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford never found its footing during a disastrous first half Saturday afternoon, falling 73–52 to Elon at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. The Terriers scored only 15 points before halftime and shot just 4 of 27 from the field, surrendering control of the game almost immediately.
Elon opened with sharp execution, crisp movement and balanced scoring. Wofford struggled to initiate offense, often settling for heavily contested jumpers or late-clock attempts. As shots continued to miss, the Phoenix built confidence and pace, stretching the lead into double digits by the midpoint of the half and eventually carrying a commanding 50–15 advantage into the locker room.
It was Wofford’s coldest offensive half of the season, and the numbers reflected it — 14.8% shooting, 1 of 15 from three and only two made shots over the final eight minutes of the period.
Elon Dictates the Terms
Elon controlled nearly every key category early, from rebounding to points in the paint. Chandler Cuthrell led the Phoenix with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, consistently finding gaps in the defense and finishing around the rim. Forward Kacper Klaczek added 11 points and eight rebounds, providing interior presence on both ends.
The Phoenix also benefited from steady perimeter production. Randall Pettus II and Bryson Cokley each added 12 points, allowing Elon to maintain efficient shot distribution and punish Wofford’s defensive rotations that were often forced to collapse inside.
With the half winding down, Elon extended its advantage with a series of transition baskets and late-clock jumpers, deflating any attempt by Wofford to settle into rhythm.
Terriers Show Fight in the Second Half
Wofford responded with more composure after halftime, outscoring Elon 37–23 over the final 20 minutes. The Terriers shot 48% in the second half and found some needed spacing on the perimeter.
Chace Watley delivered the biggest spark. All 11 of his points came after the break, fueled by three made three-pointers and a more aggressive approach off the ball. Watley’s movement and confidence helped open driving lanes and soften Elon’s help defense.
Kahmare Holmes and Nils Machowski shared the team lead with 12 points apiece. Holmes provided a mix of mid-range attempts and drives to the basket, while Machowski found rhythm from deep and battled through tight coverage on the wing. Together, they accounted for the bulk of Wofford’s offensive stability.
Despite the improvement, the early deficit left the Terriers with only a narrow margin for error. Elon played patient, limiting turnovers and running deliberate possessions to protect the lead.
Second-Half Improvements Offer Small Positives
Wofford’s defensive energy and shot selection improved noticeably after halftime. The Terriers held Elon to 39% shooting in the final period, closing out more consistently on shooters and limiting the Phoenix to single-shot possessions.
The offense also flowed with more purpose. Ball reversals were crisper, spacing improved and off-ball screening created cleaner looks. The Terriers knocked down six second-half threes, a stark contrast to the one they made in the first 20 minutes.
Still, the slow start overshadowed the late progress. Wofford finished the game shooting 32.1% overall and 7 of 32 from beyond the arc. Missed free throws (9 of 15) also prevented any sustained shift in momentum.
What’s Next for Wofford
The loss drops Wofford to 6–4, but the strong second-half showing offers a blueprint for what the team can lean on going forward — improved spacing, quicker decisions and more reliable bench scoring. The Terriers will need all of it as they continue their nonconference stretch and move closer to the start of Southern Conference play.
While Saturday’s result hinged largely on the early struggles, Wofford’s response after halftime provided a reminder that the group is capable of sharper execution when settled and connected. The next step is sustaining that level for a full 40 minutes.
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