Mercer University
14-16,8-6SoCon
Samford
14-15,6-8SoCon
Jones, Johnson Lead Mercer Over Samford, 76-69
3/2/2024 5:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Stacie Jones had a career high 30 points and Mackenzie Jones had a double-double
MACON, Ga. - Behind outstanding performances from its forwards in Stacie Jones and Mackenzie Johnson, Mercer defeated the Samford Bulldogs 76-69 on Diploma Day inside Hawkins Arena Saturday.
Jones and Johnson were dominant from opening tip. Jones, had a career high 30 points to go with seven rebounds, while Johnson tacked on a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Summah Evans also added eight points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Jones was especially exceptional for the Bears in the second half where she scored 18 of her 30 points and was 6-for-10 from the field in the half.
Mercer grabbed 42 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Samford's 40, led by Johnson's 10 boards. The Bears also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 17 offensive rebounds into 12 second chance points.
Mercer did a great job of protecting the ball as the Bears had a season low three turnovers in the game.
How It Happened
Mercer got off to a bit off a slow start defensively, falling behind 7-2 in the first few minutes. Johnson and Jones combined to score the first 14 points of the game for the Bears who trailed 22-16 after the first quarter.
Samford built a 29-20 advantage before Mercer went on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Jones, to narrow its deficit to 29-27. The Bears kept the rally going and overtook the Bulldogs on a jumper from Jones with under one minute left in the half for a 36-34 halftime advantage.
Coming out of halftime, neither team could get much separation in the first few minutes as Mercer continued to hold a slim lead at 51-48. Then, Mercer would go on an 8-0 run to take its largest lead of the game at 59-48. Mercer led 62-52 after the third quarter.
Samford slowly worked its way back in the game, closing the deficit to five at 70-65 with just over six minutes to play in the game. Neither team would score over the next three minutes of action as Mercer held a five-point lead with three minutes to play. Then, a layup by Johnson followed by two layups from Briana Peguero essentially put the game away for the Bears in the closing minutes.
Game Notes
- Mackenzie Johnson notched an impressive double-double for the Bears with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
- Stacie Jones and Mackenzie Johnson combined to score 53 of Mercer's 76 points (69.7% of team's points)
- Mercer turned the ball over a season low three times while dishing out 13 assists
- Mercer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game
- The Bears were once again great from the free throw line, going 19-for-21 (90.5%)
- All five Mercer starters had at least one steal in the game
COACH GARDNER QUOTES
On Mackenzie and Stacie's performances:
"Incredible game by both Mackenzie and Stacie. Mackenzie started us off by being aggressive and scoring. Stacie had 30 points and Mackenzie a double-double. You can't ask for more from them, especially on Diploma Day. We have talked about our post being our strength. I felt like we did a good job today of getting the ball from our guards to our post. We made some good defensive stops. It wasn't perfect, but I felt we played hard and it was a well fought, tough game."
On slow defensive start in second half:
"I was disappointed the way we started the second half. We just gave them a couple easy baskets. We looked lethargic and like we weren't going hard. I felt we could have done a better job. We had to pick it up and they did. We can't take breaks on defense. That's what you can never do."
STACIE JONES QUOTES
On her career high 30-point game:
"Honestly just being aggressive and going towards the basket. We were playing one of their girls who is taller than both of us so it was just taking it into her and plus she's a good shot blocker. Just to exploit their weaknesses was the idea and goal for today."
On not putting too much pressure on herself with it being Diploma Day:
"Most definitely, I was locked in like it was just another game. Yes, it's Senior Day and I love the recognition and I love the girls, but at the end of the day we have business to handle."
MACKENZIE JOHNSON QUOTES
On what led to her double-double:
"My shot felt really good today, but I also have to give credit to my team and coaches. They really emphasized getting it into the post today. I think that was benefitting us so I really owe credit to my teammates for trusting me to take those shots."
On key to closing out game:
"It was defense, but I don't think Stacie takes enough credit. She had some major, major shots there at the end of the game that really put us in a position where we could calm down and hold the ball and take care of business."
Up next for Mercer is the SoCon Tournament in Asheville, North Carolina. The first round begins next Thursday, March 7. Mercer's opponent and time will be officially announced Saturday night following the conclusion of all SoCon regular season games.
Â
