Hickory, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball team scored their most points in over 22 years on Saturday, defeating Mars Hill 111-78 in Shuford Arena. This was the first time Lenoir-Rhyne has eclipsed the 100 point mark since they defeated Emory & Henry 102-68 in December of 2023, and the most points in a game since they defeated Newberry 114-92 in 2003.
Aaliyah El lead the Bears with 26 points while
Tatum Bowen dropped a career high 15 points on five made threes.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 111, Mars Hill 78
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (7-4, 4-2 SAC), Mars Hill (4-8, 1-5 SAC)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | Shuford Arena
STORY OF THE GAME:
- Lenoir-Rhyne came out hot from the floor, shooting 52% in the opening quarter to open a 22-15 lead after ten minutes.
- An Abigail Brown layup eight second into the second quarter sparked a 10-0 run to open the frame.
- The Bears kept hitting their shots, leading by as much as 20 and taking a 50-32 lead into the break.
- An Aaliyah El bucket put the Bears up 25 (78-53).
- A Madelyn Caron jumper put the Bears over the century mark and extended hte lead to 101-64 with just under four minutes remaining.
- Lenoir-Rhyne scored 61 points in the second half to pull away for the 33 point victory.
STATS OF THE GAME:
- Aaliyah El lead the Bears with 26 points on 10-16 shooting from the floor.
- Abigail Brown (17), Tatum Bowen (15), and Madilyn Winterton (11) each scored in double-figures.
- All 13 players who got on the court for the Bears scored today.
- Lenoir-Rhyne forced 30 Mars Hill turnovers, with 16 coming from steals.
- Winterton led the way with four steals.
- The Bears assisted on 29 of their 41 field goals as Peyton Harvey lead LR with six assists.
- Rebounds were key in this one as Lenoir-Rhyne out-rebounded their counterparts 50-35, including 21 offensive boards.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
- The Bears have won 21 straight games against the Lions instead Shuford Arena.
- Aaliyah El came into the game with the most free throw attempts in the SAC. Her 85.7% ranks third as well.
- Lenoir-Rhyne's record for most points in a game came during the 1980-81 season when LR scored 121 against Mars Hill.
UP NEXT: The Bears will close 2025 with a trip to Bristol, Tennessee, on New Years Eve to face King. The Tornados are 5-4 on the year after a 83-63 win over Livingstone on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.