Bears Fall in Overtime Heartbreaker to the Mocs, 74-72

Monday, February 7

Macon, Ga.

7 P.M.

Mercer University

13-12,6-6SoCon

Chattanooga

20-5,10-2SoCon

OT 1

Chattanooga

Mercer

Photo by: Kayla Davis

Bears Fall in Overtime Heartbreaker to the Mocs, 74-72

2/7/2022 11:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Mercer's next game is Feb. 10 against VMI in Lexington at 7 P.M.

By: Bryce Koon + Jake List

MACON, Ga.- The Mercer Bears (13-12, 6-6 SoCon) fell in heart-breaking fashion on Monday night to the Chattanooga Mocs (20-5, 10-2 SoCon), 74-72.

After facing off just two days prior, both teams traded baskets to begin the game. Felipe Haase used an early layup to tie the game after a short-lived lead for the Mocs.

Four early turnovers limited the Mocs offensive opportunities as the Bears looked to take advantage. Using an 8-0 run, the Bears took capitalized on the Mocs' miscues to take a 14-7 lead.

The Bears would keep their distance as the Mocs attempted to battle back with back-to-back layups to cut the lead to 16-12. After trading blows, the Bears used another to stretch their lead to 27-18. The run was capped off with a tough layup from sophomore center Shannon Grant. The Bears were able to keep the lead heading into the half in large part to Haase's eight points and three rebounds. The Mocs had a last-second look before the half, but stellar defense from the Bears held a 31-24 advantage at the half.

The second half opened up the same as the first, as Haase converted on consecutive shots to stretch the Bears lead to double-digits. The Mocs answered right back with a 9-2 run to cut the lead to 39-35. Neftali Alvarez ended the run with a deep three-pointer, as Mercer built the lead back up to nine. The Mocs cut the deficit with an 8-0 run that brought them within one at 46-45. However, junior guard Shawn Walker Jr. came back with five straight points to give the Bears a six point advantage at the 6:16 mark.

The Mocs mounted yet another comeback, as they used the free throw line to cut the deficit to 53-49. Mercer answered back, as guard Kamar Robertson converted a three-point play to give the Bears a seven-point advantage.The Bears were forced to call a timeout at the 1:57 mark, as the Mocs hit four straight shots to take the lead 57-55. James Glisson III answered with a big three-pointer to regain the lead, however the Mocs tied it right back up with a basket of their own.

On the next possession and with under a minute remaining, Robertson would draw a foul before knocking down two key free throws to take a 61-59 lead. Glisson III flexed the defensive muscles on the opposite end with a big block. The Bears would knock down one of two from the line, but a costly foul gave Chattanooga three tries at the line to tie the game. The Mocs converted on all three with just six seconds remaining in regulation. With s Bears last second possession, the Orange and Black saw a last-chance shot fall short as the game headed to overtime tied at 62.

The Mocs began the extra period with the same momentum, as they jumped out to a 68-64 lead. After hitting one of two from the line, Chattanooga held a 71-68 lead. With 20 seconds remaining, Robertson was able to knock down two straight free throws to bring the deficit to one. After a foul and a missed free throw from the Mocs, Glisson III had an emphatic dunk to give Mercer the 72-71 lead with nine seconds remaining. With limited time and in dire need of points, the Mocs nailed a corner three to steal the game and earn the win on the road.

FINAL SCORE:

OT | Final at Hawkins Arena #LetsRoar x #BearNation pic.twitter.com/ul8rIXa4mw
— Mercer Men's Basketball (@MercerMBB) February 8, 2022

NOTABLES:

- The Bears were led in points and rebounds by Robertson who had 16 and five, respectively.
- Glisson notched 14 points and four rebounds,
- Haase added 12 points and five rebound
- Jalen Johnson had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- ROBERTSON'S AND ONE
- WALKER JR. JUMPER
- ROBERTSON'S STEAL

UP NEXT:
Mercer travels to Lexington, Va for a matchup with VMI on Thursday, February 10th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m and will be streamed on ESPN+. The game can also be heard on the Mercer Sports Network with Rick Cameron on the call.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW: Purchase your 2021-22 season tickets here to watch the Bears in action at Hawkins Arena. The Bears' next home game is on Wednesday, Feb. 16 against ETSU at 7 p.m.

Tickets for this game can be purchased HERE

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.