Men's Basketball Loses at Queens

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Lions men's basketball team lost on the road at South Atlantic Conference opponent Queens, 122-93, Saturday at the Levine Center. Mars Hill fell to 9-15 on the season and 5-13 in the SAC. The Royals improved to 22-2 on the year, 16-2 in the league.

Justin Yeargin and Patrick Monroe led the Lions scoring 26 and 22 points in the contest, respectively. Tyree Griffin followed with 10 points. The Lions hit 47.9% (35-73) of their field goals, 31.3% (10-32) of their 3-point attempts and were a perfect 13-13 at the foul line. The perfect mark at the free throw line tied the school record. MHU was also perfect at the charity stripe against Presbyterian on Feb. 20, 1991.

Rob Lewis led the Royals with 24 points followed by Sean Morgan and Marquis Rankin who added 20 points apiece. Queens connected on 59.2% (45-76) of their field goals, 45.5% (15-33) of their shots from behind the arc and 85% (17-20) of their attempts at the charity stripe.

The Lions started the game outscoring the Royals, 20-13 at the 12:59 mark after Brandon McCarter hit a 3-pointer. Queens answered with a 42-15 run to take a 57-35 advantage with 1:04 left in the first half after Rankin hit a shot in the lane. The Royals took a 21-point (59-38) lead into the locker room at halftime.

A layup by Monroe with 17:33 left in the second half cut the Lions lead to 15 points (65-50) but that was as close as the Lions would get. Queens went on to lead by as many as 34 points (105-71) after Morgan hit a pair of free throws. The Lions would not get any closer as Queens obtained a 122-93 victory.

The Lions will play at Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, February 17. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.