Johnson collects double-double in loss versus Wingate

WINGATE, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-15, 4-12 SAC) was defeated by Wingate (17-6, 13-6 SAC) by a score of 87-65 on the road Saturday afternoon.

The Lions trailed by one entering the second half, 36-35, but Wingate was able to pull away in the final 20 minutes of play, shooting 51 percent from the floor and hitting seven three-pointers in the half.  Donell Nixon II hit four threes in the half and led all players with 13 points.  Sean Elmore and Jarren Cottingham added eight apiece.

Isayah Johnson scored 10 and pulled down six rebounds in the second half to lead the Lions.  Jay Hickman added eight points off the bench.

Mars Hill played a strong first half, shooting 50 percent from the floor and going 53 percent from beyond the arc, hitting 8-of-15 in the opening 20 minutes of play.  Kadyn Dawkins and Trey Belin led the team with nine points apiece; Dawkins' nine coming from his three three-point field goals.  Johnson, Dawkins, and Isaiah Jones each grabbed four rebounds apiece.

The Lions shot 47 percent from the floor to Wingate's 46, however, Wingate hit 14 threes to the Lions' 10.  The Bulldogs outrebounded the Lions 41-31 with 19 offensive rebounds.

Notable Performers

WU

• Points - Donell Nixon II (22), Sean Elmore (18)
• Rebounds - Quantra Taylor & Rashaard Pringle (7), Donell Nixon II (5)
• Assists - Quantra Taylor (6), Donell Nixon II (5)
• Steals - Jarren Cottingham & Andreas Wilson (3), Donell Nixon II (2)

MHU

• Points - Isayah Johnson (16), Trey Belin & Kadyn Dawkins (11)
• Rebounds - Isayah Johnson (10), Kadyn Dawkins, KJ Marshall, & Isaiah Jones (4)
• Assists - KJ Marshall (4), Kadyn Dawkins & Isaiah Jones (2)
• Steals - Trey Belin, Justus Shelton, KJ Marshall, Clay Hodges, & Isaiah Jones (1)

Mars Hill returns to the court on Monday, February 7 when they take on Lincoln Memorial.  Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.