The Bears Vanquished VMI in Hawkins

Thursday, January 13

Macon, Ga.

7:00 PM

Mercer University

9-7,2-1SoCon

VMI

9-8,2-3SoCon

VMI

Mercer

Photo by: Mitch Robinson

1/13/2022 11:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Mercer wins, 97-91, against the Keydets

By: Jake List

MACON, Ga. – Coach Greg Gary and the Bears defeat the Keydets of VMI, 97-91. Mercer moves to 2-1 in conference gameplay and 6-1 at home this season. Jalen Johnson went 8-8 from beyond the three-point line.

Mercer (9-7, 2-1 SoCon) had Jalen Johnson tally a career high 30 points while going 8-of-8 shooting from deep with six rebounds and a key block as well. Felipe Haase had himself a night too with 28 points and 5 rebounds with 4 assists to add to it all while finishing 11-12 at the free throw line. Kamar Robertson and Jacksen Greco recorded nine rebounds for the Orange & Black. James Glisson III notched 21 points in 31 minutes along with going 100% at the charity stripe. Jovan Tucker, who had a three for himself, Shawn Walker Jr., and Jordan Jones all played quality minutes for the Bears tonight and added great defensive IQ to the team. A total of 10 different Bears saw the court tonight, dubbing tonight's win as a complete team victory.

VMI (9-7, 2-3 SoCon) had Jake Stephens scoring as much as the number on his jersey, 34 points. Stephens, not just a threat down low, went 6-7 from deep for the Keydets. Stephens also brought down 7 boards on the night. Sean Conway added 18 points in 31 minutes of gameplay on a 7-for-10 shooting performance from the field. Trey Bonham tallied 16 points, all 16 of them coming in the second half. Kamdyn Curfman and Tanner Mans combined for 12 for VMI. The Keydets move to 2-3 in the conference.

COACH GARY'S THOUGHTS:

NOTABLES:
- Johnson led the Bears in scoring with a career 30.
- Haase and Glisson III combine for 49.
- Haase went 11-12 from the FT line.
- 10 Bears saw action in Hawkins Arena.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Johnson Block + Two
- Robertson's Steal
- Glisson III Buzzer Beater at the Half
- Jalen Goes 8-8 from Three-Point Range

2H | Bears finish 58% from behind the arc to earn tonight's win‼️

🐻 @FelipeHaase13 : 28 PTS 7-8 FG 11-12 FTM
🐻 @JG3thetruth: 21 PTS 8-8 FTM
🐻 @The_Jalen_: Career High 30 PTS 8-8 from deep! #LetsRoar x #BearNation | #LightTheBridge pic.twitter.com/BurBSzJam1
— Mercer Men's Basketball (@MercerMBB) January 14, 2022

UP NEXT:
Mercer will stay home this weekend to play UNCG on Saturday, Jan. 15 with the tip-off slated for 2 p.m. The matchup on Saturday can be viewed on ESPN+ and can be heard on the Mercer Sports Network (100.9 The Creek, SportsMic) with Rick Cameron on the call.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW | BEARS 90s GAME!
Purchase your 2021-22 season tickets here to watch the Bears in action at Hawkins Arena. Fans, you can purchase your tickets for Saturday's 1/15/22 game here. Use the Promo Code "MU90" for $5 tickets! Receive a free ticket if you show up in 90s gear!

HOW TO FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of Mercer Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerMBB (Twitter), /MercerBasketball (Facebook) and @Mercer_MBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.