Mercer University
Lipscomb
Lipscomb Outlasts Women's Basketball
2/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MACON, Ga. - Freshmen Briana Williams and Brittnee Hazel combined for 35 of Mercer's 67 points as the Bears suffered a 70-67 defeat at the hands of Lipscomb on Saturday afternoon at the University Center.
The loss marked Mercer's final contest of the season and dropped the Bears to 2-27 (2-18 A-Sun). Lipscomb wrapped up its regular season at 9-20 (6-14 A-Sun).
Williams led all scorers with 18 points while Hazel chipped in 17 of her own. Hazel also added eight rebounds and three steals in the losing effort.
Mercer held Lipscomb to just seven-of-27 shooting in the first period en route to a 33-24 halftime lead. Williams scored 10 of her 18 in the first half and Hazel was a sizzling four-of-five from the field in the first half.
The Bears pushed their lead to 10 early in the second stanza (37-27), but Lipscomb employed a 12-3 run that lasted just over three minutes to close within one (40-39).
Lipscomb ultimately took its first lead of the second of the second half on a layup by O'Neisha Smith with 7:08 remaining. Smith's layup put the Lady Bisons on top 56-54 and was the team's first lead since the 18:32 mark of the first half.
The final 7:08 of play featured five lead changes and three tie scores as the teams exchanged blows. With just over a minute left, a layup by Hazel gave the hosts a one point edge (67-66) and ignited the University Center crowd.
On Lipscomb's next possession Anna Bowers was fouled and drained two free throws to move the visitors back in front.
Mercer had the opportunity to take the lead multiple times in the final minute, but missed each of its final three field goal attempts.
Mercer outscored Lipscomb in both points off turnovers (25-20) and second chance points (19-13).
Senior Kourtney Carter was honored prior to her final game at Mercer went on to book six points and six rebounds.
