Lions open season with 76-67 win over Converse

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (1-0) opened their 2022-23 season with a 76-67 win over Converse (0-1) to kickoff the South Atlantic Conference/Conference Carolinas Challenge Friday night.

The win marks the first season-opening victory for the Lions since the 2016-17 campaign.

Mars Hill led Converse 34-25 entering the half with a balanced scoring attack. Isaiah Jones and Prosper Obidiebube led the Lions with six points apiece followed by five from both Kendall Davis and Jackson Reid. The Valkyries boasted a trio of players with six points in the frame that included Uzziah Dawkins, Aaron Porcil, and Sigurd Lorange.

Both teams netted 42 points in the second half with the Lions converting 17 of their 20 free throw attempts. Mars Hill shot over 47 percent from the floor with Reid scoring 12 points to lead all players, going 5-of-7 from the floor. Kory Davis added 11 points in the half. Dawkins led Converse with 10 points followed by nine from Bosko Bojovic.

Mars Hill shot just under 44 percent on the night and were led by Reid's 17 points on the night. Kory Davis finished the night with 13 points in his collegiate debut. Jones led the Lions with six rebounds and added 10 points.

The Lions wrap up the SAC/CC Challenge on Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. when they take on Belmont Abbey.