The North Greenville Trailblazers nearly overcame a 25-point deficit but ultimately came up short against the Lions of Mars Hill University with a final score of 75-68 to open up the 2025-26 season. NGU struggled from the field in the first half, shooting just .258 from the field to face a 47-23 deficit at halftime. However, the Trailblazers flipped the momentum in the second half, posting a .467 field goal percentage for the half from the field while Mars Hill struggled with a .214 percentage. NGU cut the deficit all the way down to six points, but it would not be enough as the Lions would hang on for a seven point win. North Greenville finished the afternoon with a .361 field goal percentage. NGU led in points in the paint with 32 as well as points off turnovers with 21.

Jacob Brown began his redshirt senior year with an impressive performance, posting 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, a block, and an assist. Prince Jones-Bynum recorded 13 points along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Josh Linder finished just one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 13 points, 9 rebounds, a block, and an assist.

NGU will return to action tomorrow in Mars Hill, North Carolina against the Cougars of Columbus State University in day two of the Southeast Regional Conference Challenge.