Johnson scores 19 in final game of 2018

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill women's basketball team (1-6, 0-3 SAC) dropped their final game of 2018 to Carson-Newman (9-3, 3-2 SAC) by a score of 86-53 on Wednesday evening.

Briana Smith led the way for Carson-Newman, scoring six points in the first period to help the Eagles to a 20-11 advantage after the first 10 minutes of play.  The Eagles shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line and hit 2-of-5 three-pointers.  Alexis Pardue and Baylea Loven each had four points for the Lions.

The Eagles outscored Mars Hill 24-11 in the second period to enter the half with a 44-25 lead.  A 6-0 Eagles run with 5:40 left in the half gave Carson-Newman a 31-15 advantage, but Mars Hill reeled off seven of the next nine points to pull within 11 with just over three minutes to play.  Carson-Newman once again to pressure offensively, scoring nine straight points with less than three minutes left which propelled them to enter the half with a 19 point lead.  Haris Price scored nine points in the frame while Tatum Boggs and Mariah Johnson each scored four points apiece for the Lions.

Mars Hill and Carson-Newman each produced 16 points in the third period.  Johnson led Mars Hill with eight points in the frame.  Pardue scored seven of the Lions' points, shooting 3-of-4 from the floor.  Kayla Marosites matched Pardue's output with seven points of her own.  She added three rebounds in the period to collect the double-double. 

Despite playing a solid third period, the Eagles offense began to control the play in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Mars Hill 26-12.  Opening the frame on a 9-3 run, the Eagles continued to pad their lead in route to victory.  Carson-Newman shot just shy of 48 percent from the floor.  Johnson once again led the Lions with eight points in the stanza.

The Eagles finished the contest with four players in double-figures with Price's 16 leading the way.  Marosites and Smith each added 15 while Addison Byrd chipped in 11 on the night.  Marosites led all players with 14 rebounds.

Johnson led all players with 19 points and added four rebounds.  Pardue also ended the game in double-figures with 13 points and pulled down five rebounds.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, January 5^th when they host the Bulldogs of Wingate University.  Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.