With Knox Central’s Markelle Fultz sidelined with an injury, Pineville’s odds of upsetting the one-loss Panthers were increased slightly. After keeping the game within reaching distance early, the Mountain Lions were outmatched losing 71-47.

With the loss, Pineville remains winless in district play at the midway point of the season. The Mountain Lions lost a close game against Barbourville last week. Knox Central’s record improved to 13-1 with their only loss coming against George Washington out of Charleston, West Virginia in the Buffalo Wild Wings Shootout in December.

Pineville was led by senior guard Josh Lawson, who was the only Mountain Lion to reach double digits. He finished with a team-high 10 points while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.

Brendan King scored eight points on the night and hauled in four rebounds. Landon Couch led Pineville in rebounds with six to go along with his two points. Ben Goodin and Braxton Caldwell chipped in seven points apiece.

Knox Central’s Jaylen Adams picked up the slack with Fultz out of action. The junior scored 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He registered a double-double by hauling in 10 rebounds.

Nick Martin added 11 points to the final tally while shooting 71.4 percent from the field. Martin also grabbed seven rebounds on the day.

Up Next

Pineville (4-10) travels to Lynn Camp (10-1) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Knox Central (13-1) travels to Mercer County (12-4) on Tuesday.

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Knox Central (71): Jaylen Adams 27, Nick Martin 11, Jermel Carton 6, Dalton Elliott 4, Dane Imel 8, Zach Moser 3, Zachary Patterson 4, Kevionte Turner 8.

Pineville (47): Josh Lawson 10, Braxton Caldwell 7, Ben Goodin 7, Clay Goodin 2, Landon Counch 2, Reed Baker 5, Hayden Callebs 3, Matt Golden 3, Brendan King 8.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-302-9090 or on Twitter @AnthonyCloudMDN