Mercer University
4-1
Tulane
2-3
Mercer's Balanced Offensive Attack Overpowers Tulane
11/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NASHVILLE – The Mercer men's basketball team recorded a Thanksgiving Day win for the second straight season after defeating Tulane 71-61 on Thursday evening at the Challenge in Music City in Nashville, Tenn.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears led for the majority of the first half, holding the upper hand for 12:22 of play in the opening 20 minutes. Despite leading for much of the first frame the game was tight. Mercer entered the halftime break with its largest lead of the half at 26-19.
The Orange and Black featured a balanced attack on the offensive end in the first half, as eight different players scored. Senior guard Jestin Lewis led all Mercer scorers with six points off two 3-pointers. The Bears defense was excellent, holding Tulane to 6-of-26 shooting for a percentage of .231.
The second-half was high scoring, as the Bears outscored the Green Wave 45-42. Mercer got off to a strong start to the half, pushing its lead to as much as 16 at 37-21 with 17:35 left in the half. The Bears' lead hovered around 10 for much of the second stanza before Tulane made one final run. The Green Wave cut the lead down to five with 3:27 left at 59-54 but the Bears responded immediately and hit the majority of their free throws down the stretch to win the game 71-61.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
For the third consecutive game, sophomore forward Stephon Jelks posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The reigning SoCon Player of the Week also recorded a career-best five assists in the win. Jelks also added two steals and an assist in the victory. The three double-doubles are the first three of his career.
MERCER STAT OF THE NIGHT
The Bears were in a giving mood on Thanksgiving, dishing out 20 assists on 25 made baskets for a percentage of 80 percent. The performance was the second of the season that the Orange and Black recorded 20 or more assists. The trio of Phillip Leonard, Jestin Lewis and Jelks combined for 16 assists, with Leonard leading the way with six and Lewis and Jelks each adding five.
NOTABLES
- Jelks now has three double-doubles in his career, both coming in the last three games.
- The Bears recorded a double-digit rebounding margin (38-23) for the fourth time this season.
- Five Mercer players posted double-digit point totals in the same game for the first time this season.
- The Orange and Black owned an advantage down low, posting a 36-24 advantage in points in the paint.
- Ethan Stair's 12 points match his career high.
- Desmond Ringer had his best offensive night as a Bear, scoring a career-high 10 points.
- Demetre Rivers knocked down a three-pointer in the second half and has recorded a three-point make in all five games this season.
- The Mercer bench continues to be a strong suit for the Bears, outscoring Tulane 19-14 and have now outscored its opponent in every game this season.
- Freshman forward Cory Kilby hit his first three-pointer of his career.
- Mercer is now 3-4 against Tulane in the all-time series.
RECORD UPDATE
Mercer improves to 4-1 on the season with the road loss, while Tulane falls to 2-3 on the year.
UP NEXT
Mercer will play its second game in as many days in Nashville as the Bears take on the Mountaineers of Appalachian State in their second game of the Challenge in Music City. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST.
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.
