Mercer University
Seton Hall
Men's Basketball Falls at Seton Hall, 63-47
11/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEWARK, N.J. – Mercer junior Ike Nwamu tallied a game-high 20 points, but uncharacteristic poor 3-point shooting and turnovers plagued the men's basketball team in a 63-47 loss to Seton Hall at the Prudential Center Sunday.
Mercer slipped to 1-1 on the season while Seton Hall won its opener for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons.
With 6:04 to play in the first half, Mercer led 22-19 when the Pirates began a 16-2 charge to close the period and take a 35-24 lead into halftime. The Bears spent the second half attempting to close the margin, ultimately getting within five (47-42) with less than nine minutes to play.
The hosts finished strong again, however, outscoring the Bears 16-5 down the stretch to secure the win. Mercer finished with a 42-35 rebounding advantage, but shot just 3-of-15 from beyond the arc and surrendered 18 turnovers on the afternoon.
Nwamu tallied his 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor while also adding four rebounds and a block in 35 minutes. Senior T.J. Hallice scored seven points and led the way on the glass with eight boards.
Part of Mercer's struggle with turnovers was caused by foul trouble for starting point guard Phillip Leonard, who fouled out after playing only six minutes of the second half.
Midway through the first half, Mercer trailed 17-10 when a put-back fast-break dunk by Nwamu ignited a 12-2 surge to put the Bears ahead 22-19. A four-plus minute scoreless streak followed for Mercer, allowing Seton Hall to take the 11-point lead into halftime.
With 9:23 to play, Nwamu scored five points in 24 seconds to cut the deficit to 47-42. From that point on, Seton Hall locked down on defense and only allowed one more field goal before game's conclusion.
The Bears return to non-conference play hosting Kennesaw State on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
