December 1, 2021

Lions prevail in thriller versus Trojans

The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-4, 4-1 SAC) defeated Anderson (3-4, 1-4 SAC) by a score of 85-82 in a Wednesday night thriller inside Chambers Gymnasium.

Anderson

3-4,1-4 SAC

Mars Hill

4-4,4-1 SAC

Final

Anderson 3-4,1-4 SAC

Mars Hill 4-4,4-1 SAC

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-4, 4-1 SAC) defeated Anderson (3-4, 1-4 SAC) by a score of 85-82 in a Wednesday night thriller inside Chambers Gymnasium.

The Lions scored seven unanswered in the final 1:55 of play with a Kaydn Dawnkins' three-pointer being the catalyst for the comeback.

Trailing 82-81 with 36 seconds remaining, Isaiah Jones came up with a clutch steal that led to a Michael Houge layup that turned out to be the game-winning basket. Jones and Dawkins each split their free throws in the last seven seconds of play to add two insurance points and secure the three-point lead.

The Trojans led by six at the end of the first half with Jalen Hillery netting 11 points. Crosby James II and Collin Mills each added eight apiece as Anderson shot 50 percent from the floor and pulled down 18 rebounds.

The Lions were led by Isayah Johnson's 14 points and Dawkins' 10. Johnson led all players with seven rebounds in the first stanza.

Mars Hill turned the tides in the second, converting on nearly 53 percent of their shots and hitting five of their nine three-point attempts. Houge was dominant on the boards, collecting seven rebounds, six of which were offensive. He led all players with 15 points in the frame.

Notable Performers

Points - Jalen Hillery (19), Crosby James II (16)
Rebounds - Josh Livingston (8), Parker Dortch, Myles Jenkins, Mason Carver, & Collin Mills (4)
Assists - Crosby James II (4), Mason Carver (2)
Steals - Crosby James II & Collin Mills (2)

MHU