FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. | The Young Harris College men's basketball team closed out its holiday tournament appearance at the Christmas in the Springs Classic, hosted by Emmanuel University, with a 1-1 record. The Mountain Lions fell to Georgia College 90-82 on Saturday (Dec. 20) before bouncing back with an 88-69 win over Coker on Sunday (Dec. 21). 

Game 1: (Georgia College 90, Young Harris 82)

Young Harris battled back from a 26-point halftime deficit but came up just short against Georgia College. The Mountain Lions trailed 51-25 at the break before outscoring the Bobcats 57-39 in the second half. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Carl Cleveland led the way with 26 points and 12 rebounds, going a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line. 

• Justin Payne added 17 points, while Christian Drummer chipped in 11 points and two assists. 

• Young Harris shot 91.9% from the free-throw line (34-of-37) and scored 30 points in the paint. 

• Georgia College was paced by Khalil Green, who scored 29 points, including 19-of-23 from the line. The Bobcats hit eight three-pointers and scored 22 points off turnovers. 

Game 2: (Young Harris 88, Coker 69) 

The Mountain Lions responded with a dominant performance against Coker, never trailing in the contest. Young Harris built a seven-point halftime lead and extended its advantage in the second half. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Justin Payne scored 26 points, hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range, and added six rebounds. 

• Carl Cleveland followed with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists; while Cameron Bleshoy posted a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds. 

• RJ Williams contributed 14 points, shooting 2-of-4 from deep. 

• Young Harris shot 54.2% from the field and 50% from three-point range, while converting 82.4% at the free-throw line (28-of-34). 

• The Mountain Lions dominated the glass with 33 rebounds and scored 34 points in the paint. 

UP NEXT:

Young Harris improved to 7-4 overall and 3-1 in Conference Carolinas play. The Mountain Lions return to action on the final day of the year, with a game versus Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.