Score: Wesleyan University 91, Elmira College 56
Records: Wesleyan (9-1), Elmira (1-7)
Location: James Twohig Gymnasium – Salem, MA
 
Salem, MA -- The Elmira College men's basketball team dropped its opening game of the Salem State Holiday Classic to Wesleyan University, 91-56. Gino Leonardi '16 paced the Soaring Eagles with a game-high 21 points and a team-high five rebounds. Hayden Harkins '18 also chipped in 13 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc.
 
A slow start by the Soaring Eagles allowed Wesleyan to grab an early 7-0 lead in the first two minutes of action. Over the next 3:14, Elmira began to chip away at the Cardinal lead thanks to some sharp shooting from beyond the arc. EC knocked down four three pointers during this stretch, three by Leonardi and one by Justin Henderson '16.
 
Leonardi and Henderson's efforts, along with a lay-in from rookie guard Justin Porrett '19, cut the Wesleyan lead to 15-14 with 14:46 to play in the first half. From that point on, Wesleyan tightened things up defensively and pushed its lead to as many as 28 points before taking a 52-27 lead into the halftime break.
 
Elmira came out of halftime with a lot of energy, as the Soaring Eagles opened the second half on a mini 5-0 run. Unfortunately, Elmira was unable to maintain its high level of play throughout the second half, resulting in a 91-56 win for the Cardinals.
 
Turning Point
Tonight's turning point took place midway through the first half. After falling behind 7-0, Elmira was able to claw its way back to 15-14 early in the opening stanza. However, Wesleyan pieced together a 27-3 run over the next 7:12 to take complete control of today's contest.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Elmira struggled to find its shooting touch, going 19-for-64 (29.7%) from the floor.
• EC went 11-for-29 (37.9%) from three-point range.
• Wesleyan outrebounded Elmira 48-to-39.
• The Soaring Eagles had a tough time penetrating Wesleyan's defense, scoring just 12 points in the paint compared to Wesleyan's 56.
• The Cardinals also produced 36 points off of turnovers.
• Leonardi led all scorers with 21 points and also led EC with a team-high five rebounds.
• 15 of Leonardi's 21 points came from three-point range on 5-of-6 shooting.
• Harkins was Elmira's second-leading scorer with 13 points.

 
News and Notes

• Leonardi's 21-point performance is his second-highest total this season.
• Also, Leonardi's five three-point basket is a single-game career high.
• Harkins now has six games this season with 10 or more points.
• Harkins has made at least three three-pointers in each of Elmira's eight games this year.

 
Up Next
Elmira concludes play at the Salem State Holiday Classic tomorrow, when the Soaring Eagles take on Endicott College. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. at Salem State's James Twohig Gymnasium in Salem, MA.