Mars Hill drops valiant battle against UVA Wise
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill men's basketball team (8-5, 2-5 SAC) was defeated by UVA Wise (12-3, 5-2 SAC) by a score of 81-77 Wednesday in their first game of the 2026 portion of their schedule.
The Lions led 35-34 after the first 20 minutes of play. Gabe Erbeck led the Lions with seven points, adding two rebounds. The trio of Jaheim Taylor, Ashton Troutman, and Keenan Wilkins each added five points while Alejandro Ford led the team with five rebounds.
Yoro Diallo led all players with 18 of UVA Wise's 34 points, going 6-of-11 from the floor. Cy Hardy added six points.
The second half saw the Cavaliers respond, hitting nearly 60 percent of their shots and building a sizable lead throughout the frame. With under eight to play, the Lions roared back, to pull within one. Trailing 72-58, Mars Hill went on a 13-0 run before clutch Cavaliers' baskets held the surging home team at arm's length.
Anderson Cummins led all players with 11 points in the half while three teammates added eight points apiece. For Mars Hill, Ford netted nine points, and collected two rebounds and steals apiece in a determined 13 minutes. Marvin Hires added eight points, going 3-of-4 from the floor and leading the team with five second half rebounds.
Diallo led all players with 21 points, adding a team-high seven rebounds. Cummins and Hardy each ended the night with 14 points. The trio of Ford, Hires, and Wilkins led Mars Hill with 12 points apiece while Hires led the team with eight rebounds. Wilkins and Ford led the squad with three steals apiece.
The Lions return to action on Saturday, January 10 when they face Wingate on the road. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.
