ELON, N.C. (Interstat) — Elon outlasted Northern Illinois 85-79 in a fast-paced men’s basketball game Saturday at Schar Center. The Phoenix improved to 6-4 overall, while the Huskies fell to 3-7.

Elon, a pregame favorite, overcame a seven-point halftime deficit by outscoring Northern Illinois 44-31 after intermission. The Phoenix secured the win despite making only 3 of 19 three-point attempts, compensating with a 29-for-56 effort from the floor overall and 24 made free throws. Kacper Klaczek led all scorers with 23 points for Elon. Makhai Valentine posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Huskies, who shot 11 for 30 from beyond the arc but committed 12 turnovers. Attendance was 1,092.