Men’s Basketball Falls at North Georgia

DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Lions' men's basketball squad lost at North Georgia in the final round of the PBC/SAC Challenge Tournament, 105-78 to the host school North Georgia at Memorial Hall. The Lions fell to 0-2 while the Saints improved to 2-0 on the season.

Sammy Emile scored his career high 36 points in the loss going 10-24 from the floor and 14-17 at the charity stripe. Emile added a game high nine rebounds in the contest. Cody King followed with 15 points and five boards.

Clarence Tillman matched Emile's performance for the Saints, also posting 36 points. He recorded seven rebounds in the game. Victor Holder followed Tillman with 21 points for North Georgia.

The first half was closely played. Mars Hill jumped out to a 12-point lead (22-10) with 12:46 left in the first half after Austin Patton nailed a 3-pointer. North Georgia then closed out the opening period on a 33-21 run to tie the contest at the intermission.

After Emile knotted the game at 53-all with 15:46 left in regulation scoring in the paint, the Saints outscored the Lions 20-7 over the next five minutes of play (11:05) to take a 13-point advantage (73-60). The Lions were not able to climb back into the game after that point.

MHC hit 42.4% (25-59) of their shots from the floor while North Georgia converted 48% (36-75) of their attempts. The Saints won the rebound battle, 48-38. North Georgia scored 34 points off Lion miscues and recorded 20 second chance points.

Mars Hill will play at Lees-McRae College on November 14. Tip-off in Banner Elk, N.C., is set for 7 p.m.