Men’s Basketball Loses to Montevallo

DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Lions' basketball team lost to the University of Montevallo, 114-77 in the 2011 PBC/SAC Challenge tournament hosted by North Georgia. It was both teams' season opener.

Sammy Emile and Terrell Harris led Mars Hill scoring 25 and 21 points in the contest, respectively. Cody King was the only other Lion in double figures with 11 points.

The first half was closely played. After the score was tied at 8-all with 17:11 left in the first half, MHC went on 24-14 run to take their largest lead of the game of 10 points (32-22) with 9:31 left in the first frame. Montevallo then outscored MHC, 28-17 to take a 50-49 advantage into the locker room at the intermission. Emile scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half while Terrell added 15 of his 21 points in the first period.

The second half belonged to the Falcons. Montevallo started the second half scoring 13 unanswered points to take a 14-point lead (63-49) at the 16:37 mark after DJ Rivera hit two of his game high 37 points in the game. MHC cut the deficit to 11 points on two occasions but could get no closer. Turnovers plagued any comeback attempt for the Lions. Mars Hill committed 18 second half miscues.

After shooting 53.8% (14-26) in the first half, MHC connected on only 23.1% (6-26) of their field goals in the final period. The Falcons hit 59.3% (48-81) of their shots from the floor in the contest. Montevallo won the battle of the boards, 41-30.

Mars Hill will face the host institution tomorrow night. Tip-off in Memorial Hall is set for 4 p.m.