YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College men's basketball team delivered a Senior Day finish to remember, erasing a nine-point deficit in the final two minutes to defeat Ferrum College, 82–81, Saturday afternoon inside The Harp.
Celebrating seven seniors before tipoff, the Mountain Lions closed the game with composure, defensive stops, and clutch free throws to complete their most dramatic win of the season. After trailing for much of the afternoon, including late in the final minutes, Young Harris surged in the closing stretch to secure the comeback victory and improve to 20-6 overall and an incredible 16-2 in Conference Carolinas play.
Carl Cleveland powered the Mountain Lions offensively throughout the contest, while Justin Payne delivered key late possessions as Young Harris mounted the decisive run. The Mountain Lions were especially sharp in the second half, shooting efficiently from beyond the arc and converting at the free-throw line during winning time.
Player of the game is awarded to Carl Cleveland, who led all scorers with 30 points while recording a double-double with 10 rebounds. Cleveland knocked down five three-pointers and delivered multiple clutch baskets during the late comeback to help lift Young Harris to the Senior Day victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
• Carl Cleveland scored 30 points with 10 rebounds and five made three-pointers.
• Justin Payne added 23 points and went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
• Christian Drummer finished with 10 points and four assists.
• Cameron Bleshoy recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds while adding six points and two assists.
• Jalen Ware contributed eight points and five rebounds.
• Young Harris shot 70 percent from three in the second half (7-of-10).
• The Mountain Lions went 31-for-37 at the free-throw line, including 19-of-21 in the second half.
• Young Harris overcame a nine-point deficit in the final two minutes to secure the win.
Up Next:
The Mountain Lions continue the regular season stretch as Young Harris prepares for its next Conference Carolinas matchup later this week.
