Mercer University
16-17,8-10SoCon
Samford
27-5,15-3SoCon
Mercer Falls To Samford In Southern Conference Quarterfinals
3/9/2024 2:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. --The Mercer men's basketball team (16-17, 8-10) could not handle Samford's (27-5, 15-3) defensive pressure and hot shooting in a 70-57 loss at Harrah's Cherokee Center Saturday.
The Bears had three players score in double figures, led by David Thomas, who had 14 points and six rebounds. Jake Davis tacked on 13 points and Jalyn McCreary helped out with 11 points and two blocks.
Mercer did a great job disrupting Samford shots in the contest, coming away with a season-high eight blocks. Alex Holt led the way individually for the Bears with three rejections.
How It Happened
Mercer went on a 7-0 run with 14:54 left in the first half to take a 17-12 lead. The Bears then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 37-28. The Bears only scored six points in the last seven minutes of the half.
Samford didn't take its foot off the pedal after intermission, constructing a 46-32 advantage before Mercer went on a 6-0 run, finished off by David Thomas' layup, to shrink the deficit to 46-38 with 13:10 to go in the contest. Samford responded and outscored the Bears the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 70-57.
Game Notes
» The Bears were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording eight blocks as a team.» Alex Holt recorded three blocks, and Jalyn McCreary added two.
» David Thomas led the Bears with 14 points.
» Mercer got six rebounds from both David Thomas and Jalen Cobb.
» The Bears committed only nine turnovers in the game.
