Pardue records career-high versus L-R on road
The Mars Hill women's basketball team (3-24, 1-20 SAC) was defeated in their final road game of the 2019-20 season at the hands of Lenoir-Rhyne (11-16, 9-12 SAC) by a score of 81-66.
HICKORY, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (3-24, 1-20 SAC) was defeated in their final road game of the 2019-20 season at the hands of Lenoir-Rhyne (11-16, 9-12 SAC) by a score of 81-66.
The Bears opened the contest on a 9-2 run in the first quarter before the Lions, led by Alexis Pardue's eight points in the frame to close out the quarter on a 9-1 run. The Lions carried the 11-10 advantage into the second stanza.
Lenoir-Rhyne carried play in the second, hitting over 47 percent of their shots, including three three-pointers, outscoring the Lions 23-13. In the final three minutes of the first half, the Bears went on an 11-4 run to take a nine-point lead into the half. Both Nakia Hooks and Kennedy Weigt led the Bears with five points apiece.
In a frame similar to the first, one point separated the team as Lenoir-Rhyne outscored the Lions 18-17. Hanna McClung recorded eight points to lead all players while Hannah Chandler and Gabby Gianikos each netted five for Mars Hill.
Both teams exploded offensively in the final 10 minutes of play, combining for 55 points. The Bears led 53-43 early in the frame and went on a 16-4 run to lead by 22 with under five minutes to play. The Lions' offense battled down the stretch, closing the deficit to 11 points, ultimately the closest they would come for the remainder of the contest. Pardue and Tatum Boggs each recorded eight points as the Lions shot 53 percent from the floor. Weigt led Lenoir-Rhyne with seven points as the team converted on 63 percent of their shots.
A balanced Lenoir-Rhyne saw four starters record double-digits, including Weigt's team-high 17. Ashley Woodroffe netted 16 while Hooks and McClung added 10 apiece.
Pardue set a new career standard, dropping 25 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for the double-double. De'Ja Marshall posted 14 points while Boggs ended the contest with 11.
The Lions close out the season on Saturday, February 29 when they host Queens inside Chambers Gymnasium. Senior Day tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
