Mercer University
15-17,8-6SoCon
Chattanooga
27-4,13-1SoCon
Chattanooga Rallies Late To Top Bears In SoCon Semifinals
3/8/2024 12:52:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Mercer women's basketball team took a 40-39 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on before falling 66-55 to the Chattanooga Mocs in the semfinal round of the 2024 Southern Conference Tournament on Friday afternoon.
The Bears (15-17) had three players score in double figures, led by Stacie Jones, who had 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Summah Evans tacked on 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks and Mackenzie Johnson chipped in as well with 10 points.
Led by Ashlee Locke's three offensive rebounds, Mercer did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 10 second chance points.
MU's defense disrupted a plethora of Chattanooga shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Evans' two rejections led the way individually for the Bears.
How It Happened
Mercer struggled out of the gate, falling behind 13-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Chattanooga kept adding to that lead, building a 23-17 advantage before Mercer went on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a three from Evans, to take a 24-23 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Mercer dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 16 points close to the basket.
Chattanooga then took a 31-25 lead following intermission before Mercer went on an 8-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Briana Peguero, to grab a 33-31 lead with 2:34 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Mocs had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Bears still entered the fourth quarter with a 40-39 edge. Mercer played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 16 points in the paint.
Chattanooga proceeded to take a 51-48 lead before Mercer went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Deja Williams' three, to seize a 53-51 lead with 5:03 to go in the contest. Chattanooga re-asserted control, outscoring the Bears 15-2 the rest of the way to hand Mercer the 66-55 loss. Mercer took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 15 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Bears shared the ball well, recording an assist on 70 percent of its made field goals.
» The Bears were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
» Mercer turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 16 assists.
» Mercer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Stacie Jones led the Bears with 14 points.
» Mercer got a team-high seven rebounds from Summah Evans.
