FLORENCE, S.C. | The Young Harris College Mountain Lions picked up a gritty road victory on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 10), defeating the Francis Marion Patriots 56–50 at the Smith University Center to extend their strong Conference Carolinas start. 

Young Harris was in control early, jumping out to a 20–10 lead after the first quarter and never fully relinquishing the advantage despite multiple ties throughout the contest. The Mountain Lions led 29–21 at halftime and responded to a third-quarter push by Francis Marion with timely stops and baskets down the stretch. 

Player of the Game honors go to Annalise Malone, who led all scorers with 18 points while adding nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 35 minutes. Malone was efficient from the floor, shooting 7-of-12 and knocking down three free throws. 

With the win, Young Harris improves to 11–4 overall and 5–2 in Conference Carolinas, while Francis Marion falls to 7–7 overall and 4–2 in league play. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Annalise Malone finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, going 7-of-12 from the field and 3-of-3 at the free throw line. 

• Kamryn Bates added 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 38 minutes of action. 

• Natalie Jojola scored eight points, including two three-pointers, while pulling down five rebounds. 

• Lilly Griffith contributed six points and seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. 

• Chassidy Fedd added six points on 3-of-5 shooting with two steals and two assists. 

• Young Harris shot 40.4% from the field and 21.7% from three, while holding Francis Marion to 32.8% overall shooting. 

• The Mountain Lions won the rebounding battle 40–28 and forced 13 turnovers, converting them into 15 points. 

• Young Harris finished with 26 points in the paint and seven fast-break points. 

• Francis Marion was led by Terriana Gray and Kiara Croskey with 12 points apiece, but the Patriots shot just 4-of-19 from three-point range. 

UP NEXT:

The Mountain Lions return to action on Tuesday (Jan. 13) evening for a 5 PM purple out Roar War matchup with Emmanuel University!