Mars Hill, NC--In a hard-fought contest where both teams went back and forth, Newberry came up short against Mars hill, falling 72-55. Here's how the game unfolded, quarter by quarter: 
 
RECORDS: (Newberry 3-6 overall, 2-3 SAC) , (Mars Hill 6-3 overall, 3-2 SAC)
 
First Quarter:
Mars Hill kicked off the game with an early surge, getting on the scoreboard first and taking a 9-0 lead. Jess Tomkins opened the scoring for Newberry (9-2). The Lions continued to build on their lead, scoring points in the paint and from the free-throw line. Newberry started to gain momentum midway through the first quarter, scoring twelve points in the paint and three points off fast breaks. The Wolves capitalized on several fast-break opportunities and executed well on both ends of the floor. By the end of the quarter, Newberry held a slim 18-17 lead, despite a valiant effort by Mars Hill to keep pace. The Wolves shot 6-12, while the Lions shot 7-18. The quarter ended with the Wolves leading 18-17.
 
Second Quarter: 
The second quarter was equally tight, with both teams trading baskets. Newberry continued to play with energy and found success in both transition and set plays. Daria Clet, Jess Tomkins, and Caylin Moment scored a combined five points in the opening minutes, giving Newberry the lead. Mars Hill responded well, keeping the game close with consistent offensive production. In a back-and-forth quarter, Newberry managed to outscore Mars Hill by a single point, taking a 31-30 advantage into halftime. The teams were nearly even in scoring, making for an intense halftime. Newberry maintained a 50% field goal percentage, while Mars Hill shot 4-12. The quarter ended with the Wolves leading 31-30.
 
Third Quarter: 
Coming out of halftime, Mars Hill's defense began to clamp down, and the Lions found a way to regain control. In the third quarter, both teams traded baskets, but Mars Hill's ability to get stops and capitalize on turnovers helped them pull ahead. By the end of the third, Mars Hill held a 50-45 lead. However, Newberry went 6-8 from the free-throw line.
 
Final Quarter:
The fourth quarter showcased Newberry's resilience. Despite facing a tough deficit, the Wolves continued to fight hard, scoring 10 points off the bench. Newberry stayed aggressive, attacking the rim and pushing the pace, but Mars Hill's balanced offense and timely shots in the closing minutes allowed them to maintain their lead. While Newberry battled until the final buzzer, Mars Hill's depth and defensive pressure proved decisive, and the Lions sealed the win with a 72-55 victory.
 
The Wolves will face the Bulldogs of Wingate on December 7th for a home match at 2 PM.