Strong Tusculum first half holds down Lions
The Mars Hill men's basketball team (1-10, 1-10 SAC) was downed by a score of 86-65 versus Tusculum (9-4, 9-4 SAC) Wednesday night inside Chambers Gymnasium.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (1-10, 1-10 SAC) was downed by a score of 86-65 versus Tusculum (9-4, 9-4 SAC) Wednesday night inside Chambers Gymnasium.
The Pioneers put up 60 points in the first half, outscoing the Lions by 32 points. Hitting over 56 percent of their shots, including going 13-of-20 from beyon the arc, Tusculum carried a mammoth lead into the half. In the final five minutes of the half, Tusculum went on a 19-3 run to close out the opening 20 minutes, hitting five three-pointers in that span.
James West IV hits 5-of-6 three-point attempts and ended the half with 17 points while Trenton Gibson added 12 points. Isayah Johnson and Austin Gilyard led the Lions with nine points apiece in the half. Both Nassyr Daniel and Justus Shelton collected three rebounds apiece.
Gilyard and Johnson continued their strong offensive presence, adding 14 and 10 points apiece in the second half as the Lions outscored Tusculum 37-26 in the final 20 minutes of play. David Elkins continued his strong play, adding five rebounds and five assists in 15 minutes of action in the second.
West IV ended the contest with a game-high 24 points followed by Gibson and Brandon Mitchell's 14 apiece. Gilyard led the Lions with 23 points followed by Johnson's 19 and team-high seven rebounds. Shelton netted 11 for a new career-high and pulled down six rebounds.
The Lions turn around quick, taking on Queens Thursday afternoon on the road. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.
