DUE WEST, SC. Young Harris defeated Erskine in a nail biter utilizing two defensive stands and timely free throw shooting to win 73-72 (Feb 26^th). In a sport where they say the tougher team wins, the Mountain Lions held true to that statement tonight. While Erskine may have shot the ball well from three and capitalized in transition, it was Young Harris who was the more physical team and created enough extra possessions to outlast the Fleet.  
 
The Mountain Lions advance to 20-8 overall and are 15-5 in Conference Carolinas. The Flying Fleet fall to 10-18 overall and are 6-14 in Conference Carolinas.  
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH JEREMY CURRIER: 
"I am so proud of this team. We are battling injury and illness badly right now and needed guys to step up tonight. Cam Bleshoy made winning plays all night with 7 offensive rebounds, resulting in our season high of 19. 50 total rebounds shows a lot of toughness and grit, and to win the rebounding margin by +25 is the best we have done this season. Our freshman Justin Payne made 4 threes and critical free throws with the game on the line. Justin has worked so hard this season and it was awesome to see his hard work pay off in a key game. Cole Deptula made critical plays with 10 points and 6 rebounds. It was great to see him play with that confidence.
Morgan Rashed was incredible on defense, had some key rebounds down the stretch and continues to be a high-level playmaker on offense for us. 
 
If I had a game ball to give out it would go to Rod Gardner. Rod gave us incredible minutes when we went down 9 in the second half. His effort and energy changed the entire course of the game- he made gutsy plays on defense, secured important rebounds, and had some great finished on the offensive end. Rod is beloved by his teammates and our coaching staff, and everyone rallied around his effort. 
 
We have an amazing group of guys that want to win and love each other. I am lucky to be able to be able to coach this team, and they deserve all the success they have earned. We are excited to host a playoff game this weekend and look forward to playing our best basketball of the season moving forward."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 
·      The Mountain Lions dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 50 rebounds compared to the Flying Fleet's 25.  
·      It was Cameron Bleshoy who led the charge on the glass pulling down 13 rebounds, seven which came on the offensive end, but Bleshoy's biggest play of the night came when he intercepted a cross-court pass with just over a minute remaining to get the ball back for the Mountain Lions when they were down two. Bleshoy also finished with 11 points giving him a double-double.  
·      Freshman Justin Payne scored a game high 19 points on 4-10 from three-point land.  
·      Cole Deptula chipped in 10 points and 6 boards.  
·      Erskine was able to find success in transition, scoring 21 fastbreak points.  
·      The Flying Fleet were led by Max Peeler's 18 points on 6-10 from three.  
 
UP NEXT: The Mountain Lions await a final post season seeding from Conference Carolinas. They will play a yet to be determined opponent in The Harp Recreation and Commencement Center on Monday, March 3^rd!
 
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