Crusaders escape late Lions' push
The Mars Hill men's basketball team (0-2) was edged by Belmont Abbey (1-1) by a score of 73-70 Saturday afternoon to wrap up the South Atlantic Conference/Conference Carolinas Challenge.
WINGATE, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (0-2) was edged by Belmont Abbey (1-1) by a score of 73-70 Saturday afternoon to wrap up the South Atlantic Conference/Conference Carolinas Challenge.
With 15 seconds remaining in the game, Kadyn Dawkins drained a three to pull within a three. A Mars Hill steal by Rajuan Conner afforded the Lions' an opportunity to force the contest into overtime, but a missed jumper and rebound pulled down by Wade Jackson sealed the win for the Crusaders.
Belmont Abbey led 44-39 after 20 minutes of play with Jackson leading all players with 14 points. Kyle Frazier added 12, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. The team hit eight threes in the first half, shooting 50 percent in their attempts.
Mars Hill shot 52 percent from the floor, including hitting 5-of-8 three pointers. Both Dawkins and Marcus Rodgers hit two apiece. Dawkins led the Lions with 11 points followed by eight apiece from Rodgers, Kendall Davis, and London Maiden.
The Lions outscored Belmont Abbey 31-29 in the second half with Davis' 10 leading the way. Dawkins added nine. Maiden led all players with six rebounds in the half.
Jaiden Rivera led the Crusaders with 11 points and four rebounds in the final 20 minutes.
Dawkins led all players with 20 points, adding six rebounds and three assists. Davis ended the day with 18 points and a team-high four assists. Maiden led the Lions with nine rebounds, adding 12 points.
Mars Hill returns to the court on Wednesday, November 15 when they face Young Harris on the road. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
