Mercer University
8-12,4-3SoCon
Furman University
9-13,1-6SoCon
Defense Carries Mercer to 56-42 Win Over Furman
1/28/2023 5:05:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Furman didn't score more than 11 points in any quarter
MACON, Ga. - A strong defensive performance from the Mercer women's basketball team carried the Bears to a 56-42 win over Furman in Hawkins Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Mercer held Furman to its lowest point total through seven conference games at 42 points. The Paladins shot just 33 percent from the floor and 25 percent from three-point range.
Mercer forced 22 Furman turnovers, had eight steals, and outscored Furman 23-6 in points off turnovers.
Erin Houpt coming off a career high 31-point game against Wofford on Thursday was Mercer's leading scorer with 14 points, going 4-for-8 from three-point range. Enjulina Gonzalez had 13 points in the game going 6-for-14 from the field with four assists.
Summah Evans led Mercer's defense with nine rebounds (2 offensive and 7 defensive) along with two steals and a block.
The Bears defense held Furman to 13-for-40 (32.5%) from the field and just 3-for-12 (25%) from behind the arc.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After Furman opened the game leading 6-3, Mercer went on a 10-0 run to take a 4-point lead when Houpt and Evans both hit threes in back-to-back possessions mid-way through the first quarter. Nigeria Harkless closed out the first quarter with an and-one as Mercer took an 18-11 lead over the Paladins.
Mercer started the second quarter fast. The Bears' defense kept Furman from scoring for four straight possessions with steals by Gonzalez and Houpt. The Bears started the quarter on a 9-1 run and took their largest lead of the first half at 37-22.
Mercer's defense carried over in the second half, not allowing the Paladins to get on a run to get back in the game as Mercer led by double-figures for the entire second half. Brittany Reeves closed out the third quarter with back-to-back layups and Mercer led 56-41 after the third quarter.
Furman went 9-for-10 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter but was just 1-for-7 (14.3%) from the field in the quarter.
ERIN HOUPT ON PLAYING WITH ENJULINA GONZALEZ
"Anjy does a great job of pushing the ball in transition, and it makes it a lot easier for me to spot up. She does a great job of finding me and that's something we've been working on all year and it's really showing."
COACH GARDNER ON MERCER'S DEFENSE
"It was a team defensive effort, but Summah Evans did a great job on Sydney James who is one of their best players and one of their main scorers. I thought collectively we did an exceptional job and they were really tuned in yesterday at practice."
NOTABLES
- In two of Mercer's four conference wins, it has held its opponent to under 45 points (Western Carolina - 40, Furman - 42).
- Furman's 13 made field goals were the fewest Mercer has allowed to a conference opponent this season.
- Six different Mercer players had at least one steal.
UP NEXT:
Mercer travels to play Western Carolina on Thursday, Feb. 2. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @Mercer_WBB (Twitter), /MercerWBB (Facebook) and @Mercer_wbb (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
