Mercer University
3-1
Davidson
3-0
Mercer's Second Half Rally Falls Short at Davidson
11/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
DAVIDSON, N.C. – In an early season matchup of unbeaten teams, Mercer was unable to keep its perfect record intact, as the Bears suffered their first loss of the season at Davidson on Monday evening by a final of 77-71.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After trailing by as many as 16 points with less than 13 minutes to play the Bears rallied to fight back into the game. Mercer reeled off 10 straight points over the next four minutes to cut the lead to six points. With just over a minute left, sophomore guard Jordan Strawberry connected from beyond the arc to make it a two-point game at 69-67. Unfortunately it was as close as Mercer would get, as Davidson made enough plays down the stretch to stave off the Bears' rally and win 77-71.
The opening 20 minutes was a back-and-forth affair featuring seven lead changes and three ties. The game was tied at 26-26 with just under four minutes left and then Davidson scored 10 of the last 15 points to close out the first half with a five-point lead at 36-31.
Sophomore forward Stephon Jelks and senior guard Jestin Lewis provided most of the offense for the Bears, as each player scored 10 points. Sophomore forward Desmond Ringer led the charge on the boards, leading all players with five.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
For the second time in as many games Stephon Jelks recorded a double-double, posting a career-high 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead Mercer in both categories against the Wildcats. The sophomore finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field, going 7-for-14 from the floor, including 3-for-8 from distance. Jelks also added two assists to cap off his excellent performance.
MERCER STAT OF THE NIGHT
The Bears dominated the glass at Davidson, hauling in 50 rebounds compared to Davidson's 37. The Orange and Black had two players reach double figures on the boards, as Jelks had 11 and Ringer added 10. Of the 50 total rebounds, 17 came on the offensive glass. Monday's game marks the second time this season that the Bears have grabbed 50 rebounds.
NOTABLES
- Jelks now has two double-doubles in his career, both coming in the last two games.
- The Bears recorded a double-digit rebounding margin for the third time this season.
- 17 rebounds came of the offensive variety, marking the Bears' season high.
- The Orange and Black dominated the game down low, posting a 42-10 advantage in points in the paint.
- Ringer's 10 rebounds are a career high.
- Ringer matched his season high in blocks with three against the Wildcats.
- Demetre Rivers knocked down a three-pointer in the second half and has recorded a three-point make in each game this season.
- The Mercer bench continues to be a strong suit for the Bears, outscoring Davidson 20-6.
- Freshman guard Jaylen Stowe hit his first three-pointer of his career.
- Mercer is now 0-2 against Davidson in the all-time series.
RECORD UPDATE
Mercer falls to 3-1 on the season with the road loss, while Davidson improves to 3-0 on the year.
UP NEXT
Mercer will travel to Nashville for the Challenge in Music City over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Bears will play three games in four days, starting with a matchup against Tulane on Thursday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m.
STAY SOCIAL
For all the latest information and up-to-the-minute updates on Mercer men's basketball, please follow the team on Twitter at @MercerMBB.
