Box score
MACON, Ga. – Mercer senior guard
LaToya Jackson scored a team-high 16 points, but her efforts were not enough to stop Georgia Southern from claiming a 76-45 win in Friday night’s non-conference women’s basketball game at the University Center.
The loss snaps Mercer’s four-game win streak and drops the Bears to 4-3 (2-0 A-Sun). Georgia Southern posted its third-straight win to improve to 4-4 (2-0 SoCon) on the year.
In the first half, Georgia Southern jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead before Jackson drove baseline, converted a layup and drew a foul. Moments later, with 16:53 showing on the scoreboard, the Oklahoma City, Okla. native made good on the free-throw attempt.
On Mercer’s next trip down the court, sophomore
Neicey Lewis buried a shot from beyond the arc, cutting the Eagles’ lead to three, at 9-6.
After Lewis’ shot, Mercer went scoreless for just over five minutes as Georgia Southern opened up a 13-point lead before a running jumper by senior guard
Courtney Ford ended the drought. The Eagles’ advantage swelled to as many as 18 as the Bears struggled to penetrate the opposing 3-2 zone.
Mercer’s offensive woes continued at the start of the second half as the Bears began the period 1-for-15 from the field. Georgia Southern led by as many as 35 before claiming the win.
Lewis tied a career-high with seven points on 3-of-7 shooting from the field in the loss.
Mercer returns to action on Dec. 19 at Oklahoma State. The game, which is scheduled for 3 p.m., marks the start of a six-game road trip for the Bears.