Cleveland’s Double-Double Powers Mountain Lions Past Erskine 78–70

Spencer Mathis

Director of Media & Communications

The Young Harris College Mountain Lions picked up their fifth Conference Carolinas win of the season, defeating Erskine College 78–70 on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 7) at Belk Arena. 

Player of the Game honors go to Carl Cleveland, who delivered a dominant performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting, while adding six free throws in 39 minutes of action. 

With the victory, Young Harris improves to 9–5 overall and 5–1 in Conference Carolinas, while Erskine remains winless at 0–9 (0–4 CC). 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Carl Cleveland led all scorers with 25 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 69.2% from the field and 6-of-9 at the line. 

• Justin Payne added 19 points, hitting four three-pointers and going 3-of-4 from the stripe. 

• Jalen Ware was nearly perfect, scoring 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting and grabbing seven boards. 

• Christian Drummer dished out a team-high six assists and scored six points. 

• Off the bench, RJ Williams contributed seven points in just eight minutes. 

• Young Harris shot 54.9% from the field and 26.3% from three. 

• The Mountain Lions dominated inside with 42 points in the paint and outrebounded Erskine 41–17. 

• Erskine countered with hot perimeter shooting, hitting 14-of-33 threes (42.4%), but couldn't overcome YHC's size and efficiency. 

• After a tight first half, Young Harris pulled away in the second, shooting 60.9% and converting 11 free throws to seal the win. 

UP NEXT:

The Mountain Lions remain on the road on Saturday (Jan. 10) to face Francis Marion University in another Conference Carolinas matchup.