Mercer University
Auburn
Women's Basketball Defeated by Auburn, 77-43
11/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women's basketball team dropped its season opener to Auburn 77-43 Friday night at the University Center in front of a record crowd of 2,728. Sophomore Briana Williams and freshman Alicia Williams both scored nine points in the losing effort.
Mercer dropped its fourth-straight season opener while Auburn pushed its season opener winning streak to 33.
Friday night's attendance of 2,728 smashed the previous University Center for a women's basketball contest. The previous mark was set on January 22, 2011 when 1,467 patrons came for a game against North Florida.
Alicia Williams' nine points came on two-of-four shooting from beyond the arc while Briana Williams added three rebounds, an assist and a steal in the loss.
Auburn placed three players in double figures, led by Tyrese Tanner's game-high 14. Junior Blanche Alverson booked a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.
Mercer never led in the game after Auburn raced out to an early 12-0 advantage. The Tigers led by as many as 20 before taking a 36-19 lead into halftime.
Mercer trimmed its deficit to 14 (42-28) early in the second half but could not get any closer for the remainder of the game.
Freshman Precious Bridges and sophomore Brittnee Hazel each scored six points in the loss. Bridges' six points were Mercer's first six points of the contest. Junior Sharmesia Smith collected a team-high six rebounds and also had a steal in 24 minutes of play.
Mercer returns to action on the road at Davidson on November 14. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.
