MARS HILL, N.C. — Luke Lawson's 30 point-performance against Mars Hill — approximately 23 minutes away from his old UNC Asheville stomping grounds — paved the way for a 68-66 win against the Mountain Lions on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Both squads began the matchup in an offensive standstill, with Bradley Dean scoring the first points of the game at the 17:44 mark. From then on, The Cavs (9-6, 2-4 SAC) went on an 11-2 run and held the Mountain Lions (3-11, 0-6 SAC) off with the help of Luke Lawson from the arc.

Mars Hill soon found their groove — despite a 12-35 showing from the field —finding a blip of momentum with a dunk from Isaiah Jones and a quick layup from Jackson Reid. Kervens Yacinthe found his way to the bucket in response and sparked the eventual 36-27 Cavaliers lead going into the locker room.

Coming out of the break, the Cavaliers found trouble from the three-point line but were revived with three downtown buckets from Lawson and Dean in the paint.

Jones stuck around and kept the Cavs on their toes with seven minutes to go, aiding the Mountain Lions in outscoring the Cavs 16-9 until 33 seconds to go when the the guard hit a deafening three-pointer to tie things up at 64 even.

After two back-to-back fouls drawn by Calen Lightford and Patrick Shelley put the Cavs up three, Mars Hill found an opportunity for a shot for the line and Kory Davis sank both. Ahead by one, UVA Wise's Dean drew a finalizing foul and hit his free throw with five seconds to go to solidify the 68-66 win.

Lawson's career day included 30 points from six three-pointers and 11 made shots from the field. The fifth year also added seven rebounds to the stat line.

Jones of Mars Hill put up 24 points on the night with nine rebounds.

Up next, the Cavs bring the squad back home to face Catawba in the Prior Center on Saturday, Jan. 14 with a 4 PM tipoff.