Bell records career-night versus Cobras at home
The Mars Hill women's basketball team (2-18, 0-14 SAC) dropped a heartbreaker versus Coker (8-10, 5-9 SAC) Saturday afternoon at home by a score of 72-70.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (2-18, 0-14 SAC) dropped a heartbreaker versus Coker (8-10, 5-9 SAC) Saturday afternoon at home by a score of 72-70.
The Lions held a 70-64 lead with over three minutes remaining in the contest before a three-pointer from Jalah Horton was the catalyst for a Coker 8-0 run to close out the contest and secure the victory. Two offensive rebounds by Erin Houser led to the go-ahead layup with under 30 seconds to play.
The teams opened the contest trading baskets, leading to a 6-6 score with just over five minutes played in the first quarter. Coker, led by Saquita Joyner's four points, went on a 7-0 stretch to go up 13-6 with 3:31 remaining in the frame. The Lions closed out the stanza on a 9-0 run to carry the lead into the second quarter.
Coker exploded for 27 points in the second quarter, hitting 53 percent of their shots with Emily Davis and Haley Kropp scoring six and five points, respectively, from the bench. Tied at 28 with under three minutes remaining in the half, Coker closed out the frame on a 12-4 run to go up by eight at the half.
Mars Hill returned the favor in the third with a dominant 26-18 showing. The Lions shot 8-of-9 from the floor, hitting both three-point attempts and hitting all eight free throw opportunities. Lahaina Bell led the Lions with seven points in six minutes including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the teams into the fourth tied at 58 apiece. Mars Hill scored 10 unanswered points in the final 1:44 of the stanza.
Bell led the Lions with 17 points and added three rebounds. She hit 7-of-8 shots from the floor and converted both free throw attempts. Alexis Pardue added 14 points while Selby Baughman followed up her 11 point effort on Wednesday night with 10 versus the Cobras. Houser led the Cobras with 16 points and 14 rebounds while Davis added 15 points.
Mars Hill closes out their three-game homestand on Wednesday, February 5 when they host Carson-Newman. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.