Mercer University
12-15,5-9SoCon
Samford
23-4,12-2SoCon
Bears Knock Off SoCon-Leading Samford
2/17/2024 5:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MACON -- Big days from Jalyn McCreary, David Thomas and Alex Holt helped lead the Mercer men's basketball team (12-15, 5-9 SoCon) past the conference-leading Samford Bulldogs (23-4, 12-2) 88-84 at home Saturday.
In an intense game that lasted nearly two hours and 45 minutes, Mercer never let its guard down. Though they trailed for most of the first half, the Bears remained poised and brought the energy and conquered the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 50-44.
The Bears had three players score in double figures, led by McCreary, who had 27 points and three steals. David Thomas added 19 points and seven assists, and Alex Holt scored a season-high 16 points and added eight rebounds.
Mercer shared the ball well in Saturday's game, racking up 16 assists on 34 made field goals. Thomas' seven assists led the Bears and Jah Quinones added three. Though two players fouled out, two players had four fouls, and two more had three.Â
The Mercer defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 13 Samford turnovers. Those takeaways turned into eight points on the offensive end of the floor. McCreary's three steals led the way individually for the Bears.
How It Happened
After falling behind 14-10, Mercer went on a 5-0 run with 14:16 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Caleb Hunter, to take a 15-14 lead. The Bears then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 40-38.
Samford kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 45-40 advantage before Mercer went on a 12-0 run, finished off by McCreary's layup, to seize a 52-45 lead with 14:00 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Bears still held on for the 88-84 win.Â
Game Notes
» Mercer recorded 16 total assists in the game.» Mercer had a 37-36 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Mercer defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Mercer got eight rebounds from both Jake Davis and Alex Holt, and Jah Quinones added seven.
» Saturday's loss snapped a six-game win streak for Samford.
» Mercer snapped a six-game series skid with the result, and recorded its first win over the Bulldogs since Jan. 5, 2022.
