Cooke sets career-high versus Indians

SALISBURY, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (10-12, 8-8 SAC) was downed by a score of 113-97 versus Catawba (16-6, 11-5 SAC) on the road Saturday evening.

The Lions trailed after the first five minutes of play, 15-11, before scoring six straight to take the lead with 14:05 remaining in the half.  Austin Gilyard hit back-to-back three-pointers to give Mars Hill the advantage.  Later in the half, the Indians, trailing 25-24, reeled off seven straight points to go up by three.  Marcell Haskett was responsible for five points during the run.

Jamal Bryant, with under seven minutes to play in the first, pulled the contest within three points, however, Catawba answered to blow up their lead.  An 8-0 run saw the Indians go up by 11, making two three-pointers during the stretch.  Adding to their lead in the final three minutes of play, Catawba carried a 50-37 lead into the half.

Haskett and Javonte Cooke led their respective teams with 13 points in the first half of play.  Daquan Lilly and Devin Cooper added 12 points apiece for the Indians.  Catawba hit seven three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes, converting on over 41 percent of their attempts.

The second half saw the teams combine for 123 points as the Indians outscored Mars Hill 63-60.  Catawba built their lead to as many as 19 with under 14 minutes remaining in the contest.   The Lions' offense, led by Cooke, continued to plug away, cutting the deficit to as low as nine points with 4:43 to play however, Catawba responded with a 6-2 run to reestablish the double-digit advantage.

Catawba carried over their impressive three-point shooting prowess in the second half, knocking down eight on 13 attempts with Haskett hitting four.  Both Cooke and Ja'Shawn Brooks scored 20 points in the second half, combining for 40 of the Lions' 60 points.

Cooke led all players and set a new career-high with 33 points, adding seven rebounds.  Haskett closed the contest with 29 points to lead the Indians.

The Lions return to the court on Wednesday, February 12 when they square off against Tusculum.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.