MHU rolls past NGU in non-conference action
Four Lions scored in double-figures in the 84-57 win.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (3-1) defeated North Greenville (0-4) by a score of 84-57 in non-conference play Saturday afternoon inside Chambers Gymnasium.
The Lions were led by Elyseia Brown's eight points in the first quarter, outscoring the Trailblazers 20-16 despite North Greenville connecting on nearly 55 percent of their shots and going 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Tatum Bowen added six off the bench for Mars Hill.
North Greenville opened with an impressive 6-0 run to retake the lead, but Mars Hill battled through and took the quarter, 22-17. Mars Hill hit 6-of-8 shots from the floor and went 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Aaliyah El led the team with eight points followed by six from Naja Ngongba.
The Lions were a force in the third, outscoring North Greenville 24-6, shooting 53 percent from the floor. Defensively, the Lions forced nine Trailblazers' turnovers and were led by the dynamic shooting of Maddie Gillie, recording 12 points, including two made three-pointers. Daisy Gale added five points off the bench.
Gale rolled her strong play over into the fourth, leading the team with seven points as both Mars Hill and NGU scored 18 apiece in the frame.
Mars Hill shot over 48 percent from the floor and defensively, caused 29 turnovers, frustrating the Trailblazers' offense. Gale led all players with 17 points followed by 16 from Gillie. El ended the day with 14 points and a game-high seven assists while Tateyoina Harris went 4-of-4 from the floor, adding two made free throws for 10 points.
Gillie and Landyn Stewart led the team with five rebounds apiece while El collected a game-high five steals.
The Lions open South Atlantic Conference play on Wednesday, November 20 when they face Limestone. Tipoff inside Chambers Gymnasium is set for 5:30 p.m.
