Lions Stun Indians In Comeback Thriller

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill women's basketball team shocked the visiting Catawba Indians, 55-53, on Saturday, January 28. Down by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, the Lions showed resiliency and capped off a remarkable come-from-behind victory. The Lions improved to 4-16 overall and 2-12 in the conference, while CC dropped to 13-5 overall and 10-3 in the league.

Paige Chavis led the Lions with 17 points, while Madison Ervin came off the bench to chip in 13, including the game-winner. Sydney Comer tallied 11 points and Jenny Edwards pulled down a team-high seven boards. After a very slow start the Lions finished the contest going 17-48 from the field (35.4%). Catawba held a slim 41-38 margin on the boards.

The first half was an offensive struggle as both teams experienced cold shooting from the floor. Catawba ran out to a double-digit lead (14-4) just six minutes into the first quarter and looked as though it would sit comfortably ahead. However, a deep three from Madison Ervin sparked a 6-0 run for the Lions and they trailed only 14-10 after one.

The second quarter was much like the first with a total of 14 points scored between the two teams. CC opened the frame with a 7-1 spurt to regain a ten-point lead (21-11), but could only manage three points the remainder of the session, allowing Mars Hill to hang around. The Lions five points in the second quarter was a low for the season and they found themselves down 23-15 going into halftime.

Offense began to pick up in the third period. Sydney Comer knocked down a triple at the 4:59 mark to bring the Lions to within five (31-26). Catawba put its foot on the pedal once more, running out to another 10-point lead (38-28) following a 7-2 scoring run. That same point advantage (41-31) would carry the Indians into the final period of play.

Catawba built its biggest lead of the afternoon (49-36) after connecting on back-to-back triples with 6:17 left in regulation. The Lions narrowed the deficit to a single possession (53-50) after a Comer bomb with 1:23 to go and Chavis connected on a three-ball of her own to knot the contest at 53-all with under a minute to play. After a huge defensive stand Madison Ervin drove to the basket and gave the Lions its first lead of the contest (55-53). A desperation three from Catawba went off the iron and gave the Lions the improbable comeback win.

Serena Brown and Elizabeth Webb chipped in 14 each for the Indians, who shot 19-61 from the floor (31.1%). Marshauna Butler pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Lions will return to action Wednesday, February 1 as they travel to Carson-Newman to take on the Eagles. Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.