Lions Hold Off Lincoln Memorial
Ansley Ricker sank a pair of free throws with 31 seconds left, breaking a 64-64 tie as the Mars Hill women’s basketball team defeated Lincoln Memorial 69-66 on Wednesday.
HARROGATE, TENN. - Ansley Ricker sank a pair of free throws with 31 seconds left, breaking a 64-64 tie as the Mars Hill women's basketball team defeated Lincoln Memorial 69-66 in South Atlantic Conference action on Wednesday. Mars Hill improves to 4-11 and 3-8 in the league with their second consecutive victory. Lincoln Memorial falls to 8-7 on the season and 7-4 in the conference.
Ricker scored a game high 23 points, with Brittany Brown contributing 14 points for the Lions.
Aisjah Roan led Lincoln Memorial with 17 points, while Kalasia Green added 16.
Mars Hill took the lead on a Ricker 3-pointer 14 seconds into the game and led by five points at the first media timeout. The Lions enjoyed a 20-5 lead just past the midpoint of the opening half and held a 15 point advantage, 25-10, with 7:41 remaining. Lincoln Memorial charged back, going on a 16-4 run to end the half as the Lions held a 29-26 lead at the break.
The Lady Railsplitters tied the game at 32 with 18:07 remaining and took their first lead of the game, 38-36, with 16:04 to play. Lincoln Memorial led by no more than four points until the Lions retook the lead, 56-55, with 5:23 remaining. The teams swapped the lead five times before Lincoln Memorial tied the game at 64 with 54 seconds remaining.
On Mars Hill's next possession, Ricker was fouled and made both free throws, giving the Lions a 66-64 advantage. After a Lady Railsplitter turnover, Baker was fouled and made one of her two free throws for a 67-64 lead. Britney Guy sank a jumper with four seconds remaining, trimming the Lion lead to 67-66. Ricker was fouled on the inbounds play with three seconds remaining and made both free throws to extend the lead to three. Lincoln Memorial turned the ball over before they could attempt a shot, sealing the Lion win.
Mars Hill shot 39.3 percent from the field, with Lincoln Memorial shooting 44.2 percent. The Lions and Lady Railsplitters combined for 38 turnovers.
Mars Hill travels to Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday . Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.