ANDERSON, S.C. – Young Harris College had their season come to an end in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship on Sunday night. The Mountain Lions fell to Lenoir-Rhyne University 84-78.

Eighth-seed, Young Harris jumped out early and led fourth seed Lenoir-Rhyne 16-9 before the Bears scored five straight points to start a 15-2 spurt. The run gave Lenoir-Rhyne a 24-18 lead midway through the half. The Bears later led 33-26 before Young Harris closed the half on a spurt. The Mountain Lions chipped away at the deficit and eventually evened the score at 36 at the beginning of an 8-0 run. The Bears scored the final two points of the half, but Young Harris led 42-38.

The Mountain Lions extended their lead to 57-49 six minutes into the second half, but Lenoir-Rhyne started to chip away, using a 9-0 run to take a 62-59 lead before a Dylan Wolle jump shot ended the run for Young Harris. The Young Harris deficit grew to eight numerous times over the final five minutes, but the Mountain Lions fought back to withing 80-77 following a Carl Cleveland three-point basket with 16.9 seconds remaining. However, Lenoir-Rhyne made four free throws to take the contest 84-78.

Cleveland led Young Harris with 38 points and eight rebounds while Justin Payne added 17 points. Blessin Kimble led the Bears with 22 points and nine rebounds while Tyler Burraston added 21 points.