Men’s Basketball Runs Past Tornados

Mars Hill, N.C. - The Lions defeated Brevard College 91-80 Saturday evening in Stanford Arena. Mars Hill improved to 9-13 overall and 6-8 in the SAC. BC fell to 9-11 on the season and 6-8 in the league. Three players scored over 20 points to lead the Lions to victory.

Donterious Hughes led MHC recording a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The rebound total was a career high for Hughes. Sammy Emile followed 24 points and six boards. Dion Malachi tallied 23 points and eight rebounds. Emile and Malachi were both 8-13 from the field in the win. As a team MHC shot 52.5% from the floor and 50% (6-12) from behind the arc. Forty-four of the Lions points were scored inside. MHC won the battle of the boards, 45-34.

Josh Roper led Brevard with 24 points and five rebounds. Gaither Hendrix followed with 20 points and four assists. BC connected on only 42% (29-69) of their field goal attempts. The Tornados were only 6-24 (25%) from 3-point range.

The Lions jumped out to an eight-point (14-6) lead after Malachi hit a high percentage shot in the lane. MHC would lead the entire first half. Hendrix cut the Tornado deficit to four points (41-37) after he sank a shot at the buzzer that ended the first half of play.

BC came out of the locker room going on a 9-4 run to take their first lead of the contest (46-45) at the 17:44 mark when Hendrix nailed a 3-pointer. The Tornados took their biggest lead f three points (51-48) with 16:45 on the clock after Hendrix hit another shot from behind the arc. The Lions answered the call going on an 8-2 run to regain a 3-point advantage after Hughes hit a layup at the 13:24 mark. MHC would not relinquish the lead after that point. The Lions would extend their advantage to as many as 14 points (88-74) with 1:24 left in regulation after Hughes converted an old-fashioned 3-point play. The Lions cruised down the stretch to the 11-point victory.

Mars Hill will play at Carson-Newman on Wednesday. Game time in Holt Fieldhouse is set for 8 p.m. The Coca-Cola Tip-off Show will begin at 5:30 p.m. prior to the women's game. Follow the links on the Lions Internet home to listen to the action.