Tusculum topples Mars Hill to close out season series

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (2-21, 0-17 SAC) fell to Tusculum (18-5, 13-4 SAC) by a score of 91-47 Wednesday afternoon on the road.

Tusculum opened the contest on an 11-2 run in the first quarter and would go on to outscore the Lions 29-12 in the frame.  A late 7-0 run extended Tusculum's lead to 22-8 with under four minutes to play in the stanza.  Jalia Arnwine led the Pioneers with 10 points in the stanza.  

In a more closely contested second quarter, the Pioneers outscored Mars Hill 19-13.  Tusculum's Jasmine Williams led all players, scoring 10 points. Tatum Boggs paced the Lions' offense with four points.

The Pioneers opened the second half on a 9-0 run to go up by 30 points.  Tusculum continued to add to their lead, outscoring Mars Hill 24-5 in the third to carry a 72-30 lead into the final 10 minutes of play.  

Mars Hill scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, their most in any frame on the night.  Drew McMillan and Gabby Gianikos led the Lions with four points apiece in frame.  

Williams led all players with 19 points while collecting eight rebounds.  Arnwine concluded the game with 17 points.  De'Ja Marshall led Mars Hill with nine points on the night followed by Gianikos' seven.  Marshall also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.

The Lions return home on Saturday, February 15 when they host Wingate.  Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. inside Chambers Gymnasium.