Mars Hill wins fourth straight, downs Wolves
Reigning SAC Team of the Week continues winning ways Saturday afternoon.
NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (12-6, 9-5 SAC) defeated Newberry (5-12, 4-9 SAC) by a score of 67-52 Saturday afternoon.
Mars Hill never trailed in the contest, and opened strong by outscoring Newberry by 12 in the first quarter. The duo of Naja Ngongba and Tateyoina Harris led the Lions with six points apiece while Aaliyah Ell added five. The Lions' defense held the Newberry starters scoreless in the first stanza.
Marykate Kent woke up the Newberry offense, netting nine of their 17 second quarter points. Both teams equaled each's outputs before the half, scoring 17 apiece. El led the Lions with six points with Harris and Maddie Gillie each adding four. El led all players with three assists in the quarter.
The Lions added to their lead in the third, outscoring the Wolves 18-10. El scored 10 points and added three rebounds in the quarter. Gillie notched an additional four points while Harris led the team with four rebounds.
The Lions led by 20 entering the final quarter of play. Despite the Wolves outscoring Mars Hill in the last 10 minutes, the large margin remained for the Lions to coast to their fourth straight win, sweeping the season series.
El led all players with 21 points, adding eight rebounds and a team-high three assists. Harris led the Lions with nine rebounds, adding 14 points. Ngongba ended the night with 10 points.
Mars Hill returns home on Wednesday, January 22 when they host nationally ranked Carson-Newman inside Chambers Gymnasium. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
