Late Mars Hill surge stopped by Pioneers
The Mars Hill men’s basketball team (2-5, 0-2 SAC) fell to Tusculum (5-1, 2-1 SAC) by a score of 87-76 Saturday afternoon at home.
MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's basketball team (2-5, 0-2 SAC) fell to Tusculum (5-1, 2-1 SAC) by a score of 87-76 Saturday afternoon at home.
The first half saw Tusculum lead 38-26 at the conclusion of the opening 20 minutes. The Pioneers shot nearly 50 percent from the floor, converting 33 percent of their three-point attempts. Inady Legiste led all players with nine points and added four rebounds. Connor Jordan netted seven.
Kory Davis led the Lions with eight points in the half. Marvin Hires added five points and three rebounds while Xzaviaer Hawkins and Trey Belin each added three.
Mars Hill outscored Tusculum 50-49 in the second half, but Tusculum managed to hold on for their fifth win of the season. Both teams shot over 53 percent in the half as Legiste led all players with 16 points in the second half followed by 11 from Justin Mitchell. The Lions were led by 12 apiece from Davis and Rajuan Conner.
Tusculum shot just under 50 percent from the floor on the night and just over 64 percent from the free throw line. The Lions shot 45 percent and hit just 57 percent of their shots from the charity stripe.
Davis led the Lions with 20 points and added a team-high four assists. Conner concluded the contest with 14 and a team-high six rebounds. Legiste led all players with 25 points and 11 rebounds for the double-double.
Mars Hill returns to action on Wednesday, December 14 when they face Carson-Newman on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
