Bears Ready for Conference Clash with Chattanooga

Saturday, January 27

Chattanooga, Tenn.

2 P.M.

Mercer University

Chattanooga

Photo by: Judy Stapleton

Bears Ready for Conference Clash with Chattanooga

1/26/2018 4:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Live Stats Watch Listen Game Notes

By: David Fox

MACON, Ga. – Mercer Women's Basketball will square off against Chattanooga tomorrow at 2 p.m. inside McKenzie Arena with a 16-game winning streak on the line. The Bears will then return home for three consecutive home tilts beginning with Furman on Thursday.

BEAR NECESSITIES
Date: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 | 2 p.m.
Teams: Mercer (19-2, 6-0) at Chattanooga (13-7, 4-2)
Location: Chattanooga, Tenn. | McKenzie Arena
TV: ESPN3
TV Talent: Chris Goforth & Todd Agne
Live Stats: gomocs.com/livestats
Twitter Updates: @MercerWBB
Game Notes: Mercer | Chattanooga (notes to come soon)

Macon History
Kahlia Lawrence needs just 48 points to move into third all-time for career points in Mercer history with 2,099 points. Coach Gardner will make history following her next victory with 134 wins at Mercer, becoming the all-time winningest coach in program history. Lastly, KeKe Calloway is one three pointer made away from holding the Mercer single-season record with 78 threes made. Calloway also needs just 19 more threes to break the SoCon single-season record of 95 and 20 threes to break the all-time three point record in program history, currently held by LaToya Jackson (216).

1-2 Combo
The Bears have had at least one 20-point performance in 12 consecutive games heading into Saturday's clash. Lawrence has scored 20 points in seven of the last 12 games, while Calloway has netted 20 points in eight of the last 12 contests. The duo scored 20 points each against Winthrop, North Carolina and on Thursday against ETSU.

Double-Digit, Double-Digit Wins
The Bears continue their red-hot winning ways, as Mercer has now captured double-digit wins in 14 consecutive games. During the 14-game streak, Mercer is outscoring opponents 1,090-797. The Bears are averaging 77.9 points per game over the last 14 outings, yielding just 56.9 points to opponents.

Last Time Out
Mercer snatched a critical win against ETSU on Thursday, 85-65, claiming sole possession of first place in the SoCon. Mercer jumped out to an 8-2 advantage, but the Bucs were able to claw back into the game, tying the contest at 21-21 heading into the second quarter. The Bears claimed the 11-point halftime advantage thanks to a 7-0 run and a 9-0 run in the second frame. ETSU won the third quarter, outscoring Mercer by two to cut the lead into single digits. After the Bucs pulled to within seven midway through the fourth quarter, the Bears went on an 11-1 run to put the game away en route to the 20-point victory.

Mercer posted five players in double digits, led by Lawrence and Calloway with 21 points apiece. Sydni Means tacked on 16 points and added seven assists to the mix. Rachel Selph and Amanda Thompson finished the contest with 10 points apiece as Thompson concluded the game 5-for-5 from the field.

Series History
Mercer is 2-16 all-time against Chattanooga, including 0-8 in games played in the Volunteer State. The Bears have dropped five consecutive games to Chattanooga, including back-to-back SoCon Tournament Championship showdowns. Mercer's last victory over the Mocs was a 67-44 triumph in Macon, Ga., on Jan. 21, 2016, snapping Chattanooga's 52-game SoCon winning streak.

Challenging Chattanooga
Chattanooga enters Saturday's tilt with a 13-7 overall record, including 4-2 in conference play. The Mocs are looking to avoid their first three-loss conference season since 2011-12 when Chattanooga finished 16-4 in SoCon action. The Mocs are fresh off a 68-58 overtime win over Samford on Thursday night in McKenzie Arena.

Chattanooga is led in scoring by the Gilbert sisters, Keiana (14.0) and Aryanna (13.7). The duo also lead the team in rebounds per game as Aryanna has pulled down 6.3 boards and Keiana averages 6.1 rebounds per game. Lakelyn Bouldin proves to be the perimeter threat, knocking down 43 threes on the year and boasting a 12.9 points per game average.

As a team, Chattanooga ranks first in the conference in scoring defense (55.7), and first in three pointers made per game (6.1). The Mocs are also second in three-point percentage (35.6) and three-point percentage defense (27.5).

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Women's Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerWBB (Twitter), /MercerWBB(Facebook) and @MercerWBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.