Cavaliers outlast late MHU surge
The Mars Hill men’s basketball team (4-14, 4-11 SAC) was defeated by UVA Wise (2-18, 1-15 SAC) by a score of 84-79 Wednesday night inside Chambers Gymnasium.
MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's basketball team (4-14, 4-11 SAC) was defeated by UVA Wise (2-18, 1-15 SAC) by a score of 84-79 Wednesday night inside Chambers Gymnasium.
Despite being outscored 39-35 in the second half, the Cavaliers were able to hold on and capitalize off of several missed Mars Hill free throws to pick up their first South Atlantic Conference win of the season. The Cavaliers shot nearly 50 percent from the floor in the second half.
Mars Hill hit seven threes in the second half, but committed a costly foul late in the game on a three-point attempt when the Lions trailed 80-78. The Cavaliers hit all three shots to extend their lead to five and never looked back.
The Lions entered the first half trailing 49-40. Mars Hill led 30-22 with around 10 minutes remaining in the half before the Cavaliers reeled off 19 straight points to go up 41-30 with just over four minutes to play in the frame. UVA Wise outrebounded the Lions 28-16 in the first 20 minutes of play with an 11-6 offensive advantage.
The Cavaliers shot over 51 percent from the floor in the first to the Lions' 48. Both teams hit five three- pointers in the opening frame. Joel Pettiford led all players with 19 points followed by Isaiah McAmis' 11. The Lions were led by Michael Houge with his 12 points followed by Trey Belin's 10.
Notable Performers
UVA Wise
- Points – Joel Pettiford & Makai Vassell (21), Isaiah McAmis (16)
- Rebounds – Isaiah McAmis (7), Joel Pettiford & Bradley Dean (6)
- Assists – Bradley Dean (5), Ben Bryson (2)
- Blocks – Joel Pettiford (2), Ben Bryson (1)
MHU
- Points – Michael Houge (19), Trey Belin (17)
- Rebounds – Michael Houge (12), Trey Belin (7)
- Assists – KJ Marshall (4), Isayah Johnson (3)
- Steals – Michael Houge & Trey Belin (3)
The Lions take to the road on Saturday, February 5 when they face Wingate. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
