MHU fend off Trojans for fourth straight win

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-0, 2-0 SAC) handed Anderson (4-1, 1-1 SAC) their first loss of the season, defeating the Trojans 81-77 Saturday evening inside Chambers Gymnasium.

Both teams shot over 50 percent from the floor in the first half of play. Mars Hill opened the contest on a 6-0 run, but Anderson fought throughout the half to tie the game at 50 in the waning seconds. At the buzzer, Marvin Hires, on a fast break, slammed home the go-ahead dunk to put Mars Hill up 42-40 after the first 20 minutes of play.

Hires went 5-of-5 from the floor for 11 points, adding three rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal. Kadyn Dawkins added nine points for the Lions, hitting all five free throw attempts. Hires, Blair Crutcher, and Dinari Boykin led the Lions with three rebounds apiece.

Anderson held a 42-to-39 percent shooting advantage, hitting five threes in the second half, including two from Jacksen Greco in the final 30 seconds of play, but Mars Hill's defense hung tough to secure their fourth straight win.

The Lions recorded three blocks in the half with Hires, Boykin, and Donovan McIntosh being credited. Dawkins went off for the Lions, netting 16 in 14 minutes played, adding two rebounds. McIntosh led the Lions with four rebounds in the half.

Dawkins led all players with 25 points and three steals. Kory Davis added 16 points on the night, hitting clutch free throws late in the second half. McIntosh finished the night with 13 points and six rebounds. Boykin led the Lions with eight rebounds. Hires concluded his night with 11 points and six rebounds, leading the Lions with two blocks.

Mars Hill opens their season with a 4-0 record for the first time in program history.

The Lions return home on Tuesday, November 26 when they face Lincoln Memorial. Tipoff inside Chambers Gymnasium is set for 7:30 p.m.