Mars Hill falls to Coker at home

MARS HILL, N.C. – Despite Mariah Johnson's game-high 22 points, the Mars Hill women's basketball team fell to Coker, 75-65, Saturday afternoon in Stanford Arena.

Johnson exploded for 12 of her 22 points in the final period of the contest. The Lions entered the final frame trailing by eight and were unable to claw their way back into the game. Janea Williams scored eight for the Cobras while Erin Houser pulled down six rebounds to secure her double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds.

Led by Valeriya Pokrovskaya's six points, the Lions took an 18-12 lead into the second period. The Cobra offense dominated in the second frame, outscoring the Lions 20-6 to head into halftime with a 32-24 advantage. Mars Hill shot 11 percent from the field compared to Coker's 50 percent. Trai Johnson had seven points for the Cobras while Iresha Cooper had four points and four rebounds.

Pokrovskaya had eight points entering the half to lead the Lions. Houser had eight points and four rebounds for Coker.

The third period saw each team score 16 points. With less than four minutes remaining in the period, the Lions put together a 4-0 run to pull within four points. Coker answered by taking eight of the next 10 points to close out the frame, leading 48-40.

Houser ended the game with a team-high 15 points and 15 rebounds. Williams joined her in the double-double club with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Johnson and Hayley Kropp ended the game in double-figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Mariah Johnson added eight rebounds and two assists to her afternoon. Pokrovskaya finished the contest with 13 points and five rebounds. Jewel Walston finished one point shy of a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. Cierra Hampton chipped in 11 points for a season-high.

Mars Hill drops their 20th straight and fall to 1-21 (0-14 SAC). Coker improves to 8-12 (5-9 SAC).

The Lions hit the road Wednesday, February 7 to face Tusculum. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.