Mercer Returns to Action to Face Howard

Tuesday, December 18

Washington, D.C.

7 P.M.

Mercer University

Howard

Photo by: Judy Stapleton

12/17/2018 12:57:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Live Stats Mercer Game Notes

Bears travel to Washington, D.C. prior to Holiday Season

By: David Fox

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer Women's Basketball team will finally take the court again tomorrow after a 10-day layover, squaring off with Howard at 7 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium. Tomorrow's showdown will be the first of two contests inside the Nation's capital as the Bears will also take on George Washington on Friday at noon.

BEAR NECESSITIES
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 | 7 p.m.
Teams: Mercer (5-5) at Howard (7-3)
Location: Washington, D.C. | Burr Gymnasium
Live Stats: hubison.com/livestats
TV: link to come soon
TV Talent: Yet to be determined
Twitter Updates: @MercerWBB
Game Notes: Mercer

Never Too Late
Amanda Thompson finally received the nod that she deserved on Dec. 12 when she was named Southern Conference Player of the Week for the first time in her career. Thompson also claimed SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week for the second time this season. Thompson concluded the week averaging 16 points and 7.5 rebounds, notching a career-high 18 points against Florida State. The senior forward is currently averaging a career-best 9.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. Thompson's 74 rebounds this season leads the conference, while also pacing the league in offensive boards with 33.

Turning up the Intensity
The Bears are coming off three consecutive strong defensive performances. The intensity began against Kennesaw State, holding the Owls to just 48 points. The Bears then held Florida State to its second-lowest scoring outburst of the season with 57 points. Mercer's most recent game, the Bears held Charlotte to just 40 points and 16 made field goals, while forcing 18 turnovers. The Bears are 2-1 in the month of December after holding opponents to just 48.3 points per game. Charlotte's 40 points was the lowest amount that Mercer had given up since allowing just 39 points to Wofford on Feb. 3, 2018.

Turnovers Aren't a Problem
The Bears have done a good job of ball security this season, handing the rock over just 11.7 times per game to lead the conference. Mercer's 11.7 turnovers per game also ranks sixth in the NCAA. The Bears' 117 turnovers on the season leads the Southern Conference and sits 52nd in the nation.

Last Time Out
Mercer dominated from start to finish in its last game, besting Charlotte by the final score of 57-40 on Dec. 8 in Macon, Ga. The Bears jumped out to an 11-3 run, including a trio of threes from Linnea Rosendal and KeKe Calloway. Mercer extended its lead to 19-9 to conclude the opening quarter. The Bears outscored the 49ers 12-9 in the second frame, extending their lead to 31-18 at halftime. Mercer did not let off the gas, pushing its lead to a game-high 22 points in the third quarter before holding the 48-30 lead after three periods of play. The Bears were outscored 10-9 in the final quarter, but were able to utilize their bench in the process.

Calloway finished with a game-high 14 points, while adding four assists and three rebounds. Amanda Thompson joined Calloway in double digits with 10 points and seven boards. Amoria Neal-Tysor concluded the game with a career high eight points and three assists. The Bears held Charlotte to a season-low 40 points as not one single 49er finished in double digits.

Series History
Mercer is 2-0 in the all-time series against Howard. The Bears have yet to face the Bison in Washington, D.C. Mercer upended Howard last season prior to the Christmas holiday, besting the Bison 70-44 in front of the Mercer crowd. The Bears are also 1-0 when playing on a neutral court, defeating Howard 70-53 on Dec. 29, 2015 in Atlanta.

How to Handle Howard
Howard enters the showdown on a bit of a streak, winning two consecutive games to improve to 7-3. The Bison have also won five of their last six contests. Most recently, Howard defeated Florida International by the final of 89-62 on Saturday. The Bison also defeated Campbell in overtime (69-64), snapping the Camels seven-game winning streak.

Sarah Edmond leads the team in points, averaging 17.7 per game, while also pulling down 4.2 boards and distributing 4.7 assists per outing. Jayla Thornton (14.1) and Krislyn Marsh (11.2) round out the double-digit scorers. Marsh also leads the squad in rebounds, averaging 8.3 rebounds.

As a team, the Bison are averaging 72.6 points per outing, holding opponents to just 65.6. Howard also crashes the boards at a high rate, averaging 45.8 rebounds. Despite the high-powered offense, the Bison average 19.2 turnovers per game.

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.