El sets career-high with 27 points versus L-R
HICKORY, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (13-10, 10-9 SAC) was defeated by Lenoir-Rhyne (10-13, 8-11 SAC) by a score of 72-68.
A low-scoring first quarter saw the Lions lead 10-9 after 10 minutes. The Bears, in the second, outscored Mars Hill 21-19 to lead by one heading into the half. Alexandra Merceron led all players with eight points in the quarter while Aaliyah El led the Lions with seven.
Lenoir-Rhyne hit 50 percent of their shots in the third quarter, expanding their lead to nine heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
Despite putting up a game-high 24 points in the quarter, the Lions were unable to complete the comeback bid. El netted 11 points and added four assists and four rebounds. Naja Ngongba added eight points in just four minutes of fourth quarter action.
El scored a game-high 27 points, adding nine rebounds and seven assists, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. Tateyoina Harris led all players with 17 rebounds while scoring 12 for the double-double. Ngongba ended the afternoon with 14 points.
Mars Hill returns to action on Wednesday, February 12 when they face UVA Wise at home inside Chambers Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
