Cecil Leads MU as Niagara Falls, 74-55

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University won its third-consecutive game – and by another convincing margin – defeating Niagara University, 74-55, on Day 2 of the Progressive CBE Classic at the University Center. The win improves the Bears’ record to 4-1 overall in 2011-12.

Senior Justin Cecil had Mercer’s hot-hand du jour by draining the nets for 23 points, thanks in no small part to a 7-of-11 shooting effort from beyond the arc. Cecil also grabbed six rebounds in his 24 minutes of court time.

Jakob Gollon added 10 points as the Bears’ only other player in double figures. Gollon also had game-leading totals in rebounds (8) and assists (4).

In all, 12 of the 13 MU players to see action scored in the game.

But it was once again a suffocating Mercer defense that paved the way for the big win. MU built a 14-2 advantage after just under five minutes into the game on a trey from Cecil and rode another jumper from its high scorer at the 10:42 juncture of the period to build a 20-point advantage (25-5).

The Bears forced 15 turnovers, had four more blocked shots and made seven steals.

“I was really pleased with our effort again this evening,” said MU head coach Bob Hoffman. “I thought we came out strong in the first half. Then in the second half, Niagara came out and made a run at us. They are a good team and we expected that.”

Fittingly, the only two unbeaten teams in the round-robin CBE Classic – South Dakota State and Mercer – will square off Wednesday evening in the tournament’s finale. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at the UC.