Pioneers push past Mars Hill in conference play
The Mars Hill men's basketball team (3-10, 0-5 SAC) was defeated by Tusculum (8-5, 4-2 SAC) by a score of 79-66 Saturday evening on the road.
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (3-10, 0-5 SAC) was defeated by Tusculum (8-5, 4-2 SAC) by a score of 79-66 Saturday evening on the road.
Trailing 9-7 six minutes into the half, Tusculum reeled off 16 of the next 18 points scored to lead 23-11 with under seven minutes to play in the frame. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half with the Pioneers carrying an eight-point advantage, leading 33-25 after the first 20 minutes of play.
Inady Legiste led all players with nine points and eight rebounds followed by eight points from Connor Jordan. The Lions were led offensively by Isaiah Jones with eight points while Rajuan Conner added four points and team-high six rebounds.
The second half saw both teams shoot well from the floor with the Pioneers clicking at 70 percent while the Lions hit 60 percent of their shots. Three Pioneers recorded double-digits in the stanza with Jordan's 13 leading the way.
Conner led the way offensively for the Lions, going four-of-seven from the floor, racking up 11 points. Dominic Strother added eight followed by Kory Davis' seven.
Tusculum shot 51 percent from the floor and drained 12-of-25 three-pointers en route to the victory.
Jordan led all players with 21 points followed by Legiste's 20 on the night. Legiste also added 11 rebounds for the double-double.
Mars Hill had four players post double-digit scoring efforts with Conner's 15 leading the way. Strother ended the night with 12 followed by 11 from Davis and 10 from Jones.
The Lions return to action on Wednesday, January 11 when they host UVA Wise inside Chambers Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
