Samson, Elon hold off Florida Atlantic 64-58

By foxsports
Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:23 p.m. ET

ELON, N.C. (AP) -- Tanner Samson made three of four free throws in the final 14 seconds as Elon turned back Florida Atlantic 64-58 to open the season on Friday night.

Tony Sabato led the Phoenix with 14 points. Luke Eddy added 13 and Samson and reserve Eliljah Bryant had 10 each.

Jackson Trapp and Marquan Botley both had 15 for the Owls.

FAU led 37-32 at the half, using a 7-0 run to break a 28-28 tie. The Phoenix took a 42-41 lead on a Ryan Winters layup with 15 minutes left. Trapp's 3 tied the game at 49 but Eddy quickly responded with a 3-pointer that put Elon up for good with 8:35 to go.

FAU shot 38 percent and had 16 turnovers while the Phoenix shot 42 percent and had 11 turnovers.