Offensive Outburst Leads Mercer Past Samford, 87-59

Saturday, February 3

Birmingham, Ala.

3 p.m.

Mercer University

9-14,3-4SoCon

Samford

11-11,3-4SoCon

Mercer

Samford

Offensive Outburst Leads Mercer Past Samford, 87-59

2/3/2024 5:41:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Summah Evans had a career high 35 points

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Summah Evans scored a career high 35 points and Mercer exploded for a season high 87 points on a strong shooting night up and down the Mercer lineup as the Bears defeated Samford, 87-59 in the Pete Hanna Center Satuday afternoon.

Mercer had its most efficient game shooting the ball this season as the Bears made 34-of-61 (55.7%) shots and seemingly couldn't miss from three-point range going 13-for-17 (76.5%) from behind the arc on the afternoon. Mercer's previous high for made three's in a game this season was nine against Tulane back on November 19.

Mercer held Samford to just 25 points in the second half as the Bears built on their seven-point halftime lead in the second half. Mercer outrebounded Samford 34-29 and had 24 assists to just 11 for Samford.

Summah Evans's 35-point night surpassed her previous career high of 26 points which she set earlier this season against Kennesaw State. She had an efficient day shooting the ball, going 14-for-20 (70.0%) from the field and 5-for-8 (62.5%) from three-point range.

Briana Peguero and Aspen Johnson were the other two Mercer players to get in double figures offensively as each had 10 points and shot 50 percent or better from the field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1ST QUARTER

Mercer found itself down 8-4 halfway through the first quarter. Summah Evans scored 10 consecutive points for the Bears in the quarter, followed by a three-pointer from Aspen Johnson in the final minute gave Mercer a 15-14 lead after the first.

2ND QUARTER

Neither team could get much separation in the opening five minutes of the second quarter. Samford was able to take a 30-25 lead. Then, Mercer closed the half on a 16-4 run that included a scoring run of four three-pointers, each made by a different player as the Bears took a 41-34 lead into halftime.

3RD QUARTER

The third quarter proved to be a key quarter as the Bears were able to build on their lead and not let Samford back in the game. Mercer went on an 11-0 run to open the quarter and take its largest lead of the game at 52-34. Summah Evans scored her 30th point of the game on a three-pointer in the final seconds to put Mercer up by 20 points, at 62-42.

4TH QUARTER

The Bears continued to shoot the ball well into the fourth quarter and got balanced scoring as seven different players scored for the Bears in the final quarter as the Bears rolled to the road win.

NOTES

Mercer's 87 points were a season high and the most points the Bears have scored in a game since scoring 88 points at Furman last season
Mercer's 13 made three-pointers were the most made three-pointers in a game by any Mercer team in the 14 seasons under head coach Susie Gardner
The Bears had a season high 24 assists with Deja Williams' six assists leading the Bears individually
Summah Evans' 35 points not only was a career high for her, but was also the most points scored by any Southern Conference player in a game this season
Mercer has outrebounded its last five opponents after outrebounding Samford 34-29 Saturday
Seven different players had at least one of Mercer's eight steals on the afternoon

COACH GARDNER QUOTES

On Emphasizing Defense In Practice Leading Up To Game:
"We've been emphasizing defense. All week. I think that when you emphasize the things you have control over - which is defense - you quit worrying so much about your offense and our defense creates offense. So, I think sometimes people worry too much about their offense. So we sincerely put an emphasis on our defense."

On Continuing To Play Well In Second Half:
"I thought we played pretty well in the first half, but one thing that we emphasized at half was keeping our focus and not having a let down in the third. I thought that either we created some turnovers or they turned it over which gave us some momentum. We hit some shots. I thought everyone shot the ball well. It was a great all-around game for everyone on our team. I'm just really proud of - and I know everyone notices the points - but I'm really proud of our defensive effort."

UP NEXT
Mercer returns home to Hawkins Arena next week to play ETSU on Thursday, Feb. 8. Tip off against the Buccaneers is at 7 p.m.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
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