Strong Win in Spartanburg

Thursday, February 17

Spartanburg, SC

7:00 PM

Mercer University

18-6,11-1SoCon

Wofford

13-11,8-2SoCon

Mercer

Wofford

Photo by: Mark Olencki - Wofford Athletics

2/17/2022 10:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Neal-Tysor's 31, strong defense stifle Terriers on road

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Amoria Neal-Tysor registered 31 points – a new season-high – to lead Mercer as they took down Wofford in hostile territory and ended the Terriers' five game winning streak with a 74-57 win. Shannon Titus tallied 16 points and collected four rebounds as the Bears (18-6, 11-1 SoCon) held the hosts (13-11, 8-2 SoCon) to 27.1% from the field and 19.2% from distance. Entering the contest, the Terriers led the league in scoring – putting up 67.4 per contest.

In addition to her 31 points, Neal-Tysor claimed seven defensive boards, dished three assists, stole a ball and blocked a shot to lead Mercer.

How it Happened
Mercer took the opening tip and 10 of the contest's first 16 points. Neal-Tysor's big night was paced by an impressive 14 points in the first quarter to set the tone for the Bears' offense in Spartanburg. Wofford started the second with enough momentum to give them a one-point lead behind a quick five-point spurt until Mercer turned the tide with a 13-0 that changed the game's momentum for good which led to a lead Mercer would not relinquish. In the second quarter run, Erin Houpt sank two from long distance to keep the pressure on Wofford.

Out of the break, Mercer picked up where they left off in the third defensively – only conceding 12 points to an offense that is led by Jackie Carman, the SoCon's reigning Player of the Week.

A pair of standout freshmen – Nigeria Harkless and Houpt – both registered seven points on the evening.

Mercer outrebounded their hosts by a 40-34 margin, including 34-27 on the defensive end.

Lily Hatton led Wofford with 17 points and 12 boards, while Niyah Lutz scored 12 and added seven rebounds.

Quotables – Head Coach Susie Gardner
On the defensive performance
"We knew that Wofford is an outstanding offensive team. They lead the conference in scoring, have great shooters and we knew that our defense was going to have to be good tonight. I was proud of our effort. For the game, we held them to 27% in field goals and 19 from three. That was our goal going in: to try and get after them defensively.

On taking advantage of situations
"We would grab a defensive rebound or steal then tried to get out and run. Amoria had an outstanding game offensively and was able to get to the rim. Endia got out and got some transitional layups and Houpt hit some open jumpers. We were able to capitalize with that scenario and am proud of the way we played. We have to turn right around and have another huge game on Saturday versus a good Furman team. Not a lot of time to pat ourselves on the back and move forward and play another great opponent on Saturday."

Notables
• Amoria Neal-Tysor has scored 20+ in seven league games
• In Spartanburg, Mercer has now won six of eight over Wofford

Up Next
Mercer will meet Furman in the penultimate game of the regular season on Saturday, February 19. Tipoff from Greenville is slated for 6 p.m.

Follow the Bears:
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