Mercer University
15-16,8-10SoCon
Furman
16-15,10-8SoCon
Mercer Defeats Furman To Close Out The Regular Season
3/2/2024 4:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Led by 55 percent field goal and 60 percent 3-point shooting efforts, the Mercer men's basketball team (15-16, 8-10) took down the Furman Paladins (16-15, 10-8) 82-75 on the road Saturday. This season's wins are the first back-to-back wins over FU since the 2014-15 season.
The Bears had four players score in double figures, led by Jalyn McCreary, who had 21 points and two blocks. David Thomas tacked on 18 points and six assists, and Caleb Hunter tied his season-high with 14 points.
The Mercer offense was very productive from deep, pouring in nine threes on 15 attempts (60 percent). Jalen Cobb was the most prolific shooter for the Bears, draining three treys in the contest.
Mercer did a great job disrupting Furman shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Jake Davis and Jalyn McCreary each tallied two rejections.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 24-21 advantage, Mercer went on an 8-0 run with 6:43 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from David Thomas, to increase its lead to 32-21. The Paladins cut into the lead, but the Bears still entered halftime with a 34-29 advantage.
Following intermission, Mercer expanded the lead to 64-57 then went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Caleb Hunter's three, to grow the lead to 70-57 with 5:00 to go in the contest. The Paladins came within three points before the game was over, but the Bears hit crucial free throws to help secure the 82-75 win.
Game Notes
» The Bears knocked down nine of 15 3-point attempts.» Mercer never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Mercer tallied 16 total assists in the game.
» The Bears were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying seven blocks as a team.
» Mercer turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 16 assists.
» Jalyn McCreary led the Bears with a game-high 21 points.
» Mercer got five rebounds from both Alex Holt and Jalyn McCreary.
