MHU drops heartbreaker against No. 8 Coker

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (13-8, 10-7 SAC) was defeated by No. 8 Coker (19-2, 15-1 SAC) by a score of 62-58 Saturday afternoon.

Mars Hill led 40-37 heading into the final frame. Coker rallied in the final 10 minutes to put up a game-high 25 points. The trio of Shawnteanna Tillman, Mya Wasswa, and Dasia Ferguson each netted six points in the frame. Despite a valiant effort by the Lions, late turnovers proved costly.

The Cobras led by five after the first quarter with Tillman leading all players with six points. Mars Hill responded in the second, closing the gap to one heading into the half, trailing 30-29. Tateyoina Harris and Daisy Gale led the Lions with five points apiece. Landyn Stewart pulled down four rebounds in the quarter.

A low scoring third quarter saw Mars Hill outscore Coker 11-7 to carry a lead into the fourth. Coker shot under 19 percent from the floor, hitting just three shots on 16 attempts. The Lions hit 5-of-8 shots with Naja Ngongba and Aaliyah El each hitting two shots and netting four points apiece.

Tillman and Wasswa led all players with 16 points apiece. Gale led the Lions with 13 points and five assists. Harris collected the double-double with 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. El added 11 points and five rebounds.

Mars Hill returns to action on Wednesday, February 5 when they travel to Jefferson City, Tennessee to face Carson-Newman. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.