MARS HILL, N.C. – The Emory & Henry University Women's Basketball Team (5-16, 3-12 SAC) completed the season sweep of Mars Hill University (4-17, 1-14 SAC) on the road Wednesday evening. The Wasps put up 42 second-half points on their way to the 78-65 victory.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Emory & Henry 78, Mars Hill 65
LOCATION – Mars Hill, North Carolina
VENUE – Stanford Arena
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (5-16, 3-12 SAC); Mars Hill (4-17, 1-14 SAC)
How It Happened
- The Wasps were hot shooting the basketball and locked in on defense to start the contest as they recorded the first 13 points to take the early 13-0 lead after the opening seven minutes of action. The Lions finally got on the board, but Emory & Henry finished the final three minutes outscoring Mars Hill by a 13-9 margin, capped off by a layup from freshman forward Hali Harris (Richmond, Va.) to give them the 26-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
- The two teams held serve through the first half of the second stanza and the score stood at 34-18 in favor of the visitors from Emory. The Lions' offense roared to life over the latter stages of the quarter as they reeled off an 18-2 run over the final 3:29 of the half to tie things up heading into halftime.
- The squads traded blows early on in the second half, and a made three-point jumper from junior guard Rhyan Harris (Salem, Va.) gave the Wasps a narrow 44-42 lead with 6:13 remaining in the third. The Wasps found their hot shooting form once again as they went on an 11-4 run of their own over the final six minutes to take a 55-46 lead into the fourth quarter.
- MHU would not go quietly as they battled back to draw within just two points at 57-55 with 6:04 showing on the clock. Six straight points from the Wasps gave them some breathing room, but once more the Lions clawed back within a pair at 64-62 with 3:07 to play. That was as close as things would get however, as the Wasps knocked down multiple big shots and converted their chances at the charity stripe to seal the road victory by the 78-65 final score.
Emory & Henry Leaders
- Hali Harris exploded for a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a pair of assists to lead the Wasps. Rhyan Harris added 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal.
- Junior forward Gracyn Hall (Randleman, N.C.) posted her tenth career double-double as she recorded 11 points, 11 rebounds and a trio of assists. Sophomore guard Tori West (Richmond, Va.) went for nine points, two steals, two rebounds and an assist in the win.
Mars Hill Individual Leaders
- Felesia Ondongo led the Lions with a team-high 14 points, five boards and an assist while Makayla Street had 12 points, nine rebounds and a steal off of the bench.
- Jadein Haynes registered 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Kindan Dawson finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and a blocked shot.
A Deeper Look
- Emory & Henry shot 38.5% (25-for-65) overall and 25.9% (7-for-27) from beyond the three-point arc. The Wasps made hay at the free throw line, converting 87.5% (21-for-24) of their attempts.
- Mars Hill was 25-for-56 (44.6%) from the field and 11-for-25 (44.0%) from deep. The Lions struggled at the charity stripe as they shot just 30.8% (4-for-13).
- E&H crashed the glass, outrebounding the Lions by a 43-35 margin.
- The Wasps' defense was stingy, forcing 28 turnovers that they converted into 28 points. MHU forced 16 E&H miscues that they turned into 21 points.
- Emory & Henry put up 28 points in the painted area, compared to 20 for Mars Hill.
- The game saw just one tie and a pair of lead changes.
Up Next
- Emory & Henry continues its road swing on Saturday, February 7 when the Wasps travel to face off against the Wolves of Newberry College. Tip is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Eleazer Arena.
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