Mars Hill downed by L-R at home

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill women's basketball team (2-15, 0-11 SAC) was defeated by a score of 82-28 versus Lenoir-Rhyne (7-10, 5-6 SAC) Wednesday evening at home. 

The first quarter of play saw the Bears convert on 50 percent of their shots, outscoring the Lions, 16-11. Lenoir-Rhyne, in the middle of the quarter, reeled off a 10-2 run to go up 16-5 before the Lions closed out the quarter netting six straight. Karlie Bearden led the Bears with six points, hitting all three shot attempts.  De'Ja Marshall paced the Lions' offense with six points and led the team with three rebounds.

The second stanza saw each team shine offensively.  Similar to the first frame, the Bears dictated play through the first five minutes of play, going up by as many as 14 points.  Mars Hill ended the quarter on a 12-4 run with Alexis Pardue scoring six during the stretch to narrow the deficit to six, 35-29. 

Lenoir-Rhyne blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Lions 21-10.  Led by Madeline Hardey's 12 points, the Bears carried a 56-39 advantage into the final 10 minutes of play.

In the highest scoring quarter, Lenoir-Rhyne secured their victory with a 26-19 performance.  Blair Barefoot exploded for eight points in the final 10 minutes of play.  Marshall recorded eight and led the Lions with 19 points on the night.  Pardue finished the contest with 10 points and a game-high nine rebounds.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, January 25 on the road versus the Wolves of Newberry.  Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.