Brooks drops 29 on road versus Newberry

NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (7-11, 5-7 SAC) was downed by a score of 104-71 versus Newberry (11-7, 7-5 SAC) Saturday afternoon on the road.

Despite the team's trading three-pointers as their opening points, the Wolves took eight of the next 12 points to go up 11-7 with 14:32 left in the half.  Coming out of a Lions' timeout, Newberry went on an 8-0 run to increase their lead to double-digits.

Following two made free throws by Matthew Powell with under 10 minutes to play in the first, the Wolves once again responded with an 8-1 run, doubling up the Lions.  A late 11-1 run with just over two minutes to play saw Newberry go up 47-20.

The Newberry's proficiency from beyond the arc dictated the first half of play as the Wolves hit 13 three-pointers.  Marcus Ford, from the bench, hit four-of-five three pointers and recorded 14 points in seven minutes of play to lead all players after the first 20 minutes of play.  

The second half saw a more closely contested affair that saw the teams combine for 97 points.  Ja'Shawn Brooks netted 25 of his 29 points in the second half, hitting four three-pointers.  Tai Giger continued the Wolves' strong three-point shooting, hitting all three attempts and leading Newberry with 13 points in the half.

Newberry opened up the half on an 11-3 run to go up by 36 with just under three minutes gone in the frame.  The Wolves built their lead up to as many as 40 with 8:44 left to play.  

Brooks led all players with 29 points and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting all nine attempts.  Javonte Cooke added 15 while Powell ended the night with 10 points.  Ford led the Wolves with 18 points.  Five other Wolves' ended the contest in double-digits as Angelo Sales Jr. and Marshall Lange each chipped in 11 for Newberry.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, January 29 when they take on the Cavaliers of UVa-Wise.  "Fill the Hill" tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside Chambers Gymnasium.