Lions fall to Wingate in 2021 finale

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-8, 4-5 SAC) was defeated by a score of 96-79 versus Wingate (9-3, 6-3 SAC) Saturday evening.

The Bulldogs shot nearly 49 percent from the floor in the first half and over 37 percent from beyond the arc.  Andreas Wilson netted 15 off the bench while Jarren Cottingham added 12 and a half-high six rebounds.

The Lions opened the contest on a 7-0 run with Michael Houge scoring four in that run.  Houge and Isaiah Jones led the Lions with nine points apiece while Houge collected five rebounds.  Mars Hill shot just under 40 percent from the floor and under 30 from three.

In a more tightly contested second half, Wingate outscored the Lions 51-47.  Mars Hill's Jackson Reid exploded in the second half of play, netting 16 and going 6-of-7 from the floor in just 15 minutes of action.

Both teams shot 48.6 percent from the floor in the second half and traded baskets all throughout the final frame. 

Mars Hill outrebounded Wingate 48-36 with Houge leading all players with 11. 

Notable Performers

WU

• Points – Jarren Cottingham (21), Sean Elmore (20)
• Rebounds – Jarren Cottingham (8), Vontrez Roberts (7)
• Assists – Donell Nixon (6), Jarren Cottingham (4)
• Steals – Sean Elmore & Donell Nixon (3), Jarren Cottingham (2)

MHU

• Points – Michael Houge (18), Jackson Reid (16)
• Rebounds – Michael Houge (11), Isayah Johnson & Isaiah Jones (8)
• Assists – Kadyn Dawkins (4), Michael Houge, Isayah Johnson, & Jackson Reid (2)
• Steals – Trey Belin (2), Michael Houge, Isaiah Jones, & Lane Harrill (1)

The Lions return to action Wednesday, January 5 when they face Limestone.  Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.