Mars Hill storms back in regulation, downs E&H in OT

MEADOWVIEW, Va. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (6-9, 4-9 SAC) defeated Emory & Henry (4-12, 2-10 SAC) by a score of 91-90 in overtime Wednesday night on the road.

The Lions erased a nine-point deficit in the final minute of play, capped off by Kadyn Dawkins' lone made three of the night at the buzzer, forcing the extra frame. Emory & Henry had a chance to clinch the game with 15 seconds left to play, but a trio of missed free throws allowed the Lions to run the floor and get off two shot attempts. A rebound off the third miss by Tripp Beatty send the Lions on their way, but more crucially, the offensive rebound by Marvin Hires allowed Dawkins one more shot, proving to be the equalizer.

In overtime, the Wasps led for the majority until the Lions tied it at 87 with Hires tip-in. With 22 second left, Hires scored his fourth straight point to give the Lions the lead, but Emory & Henry responded as Draven Pilson hit a three with 14 left to play.

Once again, Dawkins played hero. Just three seconds on the clock separated the Wasps from the season-sweep, but Dawkins hit the jumper to pull the Lions ahead. A swap of turnovers in the final moments put an end to the chaotic contest.

Hires and Beatty led the Lions in the overtime frame with four points apiece.

The first half saw the Wasps lead by eight, 40-32, after 20 minutes of play. They shot over 55 percent from the floor with Gabe Brown's 11 points leading all players. Dinari Boykin led the Lions with nine points followed by eight from Daniel Mayfield. Kory Davis led all players with four assists while Mayfield added three.

The duo of Davis and Mayfield led the Lions offensively, scoring 14 and 13, respectively, in the second half. Hires led all players with seven rebounds in the frame as Mayfield picked up another six. Davis and Hires each picked up three assists in the half.

Mayfield led the Lions with 21 points while Davis and Hires each added 19 on the night. Hires collected 11 rebounds for the double-double. Davis led all players with eight assists. Dawkins closed out the night with 10 points.

Mars Hill returns to action on Saturday, January 18 when they face Newberry on the road. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.