Late Crusader run downs Lions on road
The Mars Hill men's basketball team (1-2) was defeatd 94-87 versus North Greenville (2-3) Saturday afternoon in non-conference action.
TIGERVILLE, S.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (1-2) was defeatd 94-87 versus North Greenville (2-3) Saturday afternoon in non-conference action.
The Lions were down 11-8 with just over six minutes played in the first half before back-to-back three-pointers from Matthew Powell and Ja'Shawn Brooks pushed the Lions ahead by three. Jamal Bryant added a jumper to cap off an 8-0 run for Mars Hill.
Bryant was the catalyst for the Lions to retake the lead with 9:41 remaining in the half, hitting both free throw attempts as well as hitting another jumper. His four points were the beginning of a 26-0 run that was ended with 3:29 left in the half, seeing the Lions hold a 45-20 advantage.
In the waning seconds of the half, Austin Gilyard was fouled on a three-point attempt and converted on all three attempts at the line to send the Lions into the half with a 50-34 lead.
Bryant led the Lions with nine points in the half, followed by Powell and Brooks, who each recorded eight.
North Greenville outscored Mars Hill 60-37 in the final 20 minutes of play to come away with victory. Jalon Cokley recorded 22 points in the frame, shooting 7-of-12 from the floor. Trailing 68-56, a Cokley three-pointer began a 13-1 run to tie the game at 69 with just over nine minutes remaining.
The Lions built the lead back up to 16 points, 87-71, with 3:57 left in the contest before the Crusaders reeled off 23 straight points to end the contest.
Powell led the Lions with 18 points, followed by Bryant's 14 on the night. Both Brooks and Javonte Cooke ended the game with 12 points. Bryant and Brooks led Mars Hill with nine rebounds apiece.
Mars Hill returns to action on Monday, November 18 when they take on Erskine. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
