Mars Hill powers past Regent

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (2-2) downed visiting Regent (0-4) by a score of 98-61 on Saturday evening inside Chambers Gymnasium.

After giving up the first basket of the game, a three-pointer by Kristopher Walston, the Lions would reel off 11 points straight and not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the contest.  Five different players contributed in the run, led by Chris Barnette's three points and one assist.  The Royals answered by scoring eight of the next nine points to pull within two, but once again, Mars Hill was able to respond and expand upon their lead.  

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Mars Hill held a five point lead over Regent by a score of 22-17.  Mars Hill would go on to score 11 of the next 15 points, led by Austin Stone's six points in the run.  With 4:19 left in the half, Mars Hill led by 13 points, up 37-2.  The Lions closed out the half on a nine point run to enter the half up by 22, with a 46-24 advantage.

Stone led all players with 11 points, going 4-of-7 from the field.  Walston had a team-high eight points for the Royals.  

The Lions continued to roll in the second half, outscoring Regent 52-37.  Ja'Shawn Brooks had 10 points in the half and finished with 15 on the night.  Vernon Jackson added six points in the second half, finishing with 10 on the night and shooting 5-of-5 from the floor.  Walston ended the game with 15 points followed by Kristopher Warren's 13 in the contest. 

Stone added eight points in the second half to finish with a game-high 19 points while collecting a game-high eight rebounds.

Regents shot 25 percent from the floor compared to Mars Hill's 50 percent.  Both teams shot 26 percent from beyond the arc.

Mars Hill improves to 2-2 on the season and hosts Warren Wilson on Tuesday evening inside Chambers Gymnasium.  Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.