November 16, 2010

Second Half Surge Powers Georgia Southern Over Women’s Basketball

STATESBORO, Ga. – Mercer freshman Briana Williams scored 13 points in the first half and the Bears trailed by six at intermission, but Georgia Southern opened the second half on a 20-2 run and ultimately prevailed 71-52 in Tuesday night’s non-conference women’s basketball game.

Mercer fell to 0-2 with the loss while Georgia Southern pulled even at 1-1.

“I felt like without question we got out-toughed tonight,” head coach Susie Gardner said.  “Very disappointing because that was something we stressed going into this game.”

Williams finished with 18 points, four rebounds and an assist in the losing effort.  Williams’ classmate Brittnee Hazel tallied nine points, six rebounds, a block and a steal in the loss.

Trailing 21-10 with just over eight minutes to go in the first half, Mercer employed a 15-4 run over the next 4:26 to knot the game at 25 apiece.  Mercer’s surge was capped by eight-straight points from Williams.

Mercer’s charge forced Georgia Southern head coach Rusty Cram to call a timeout to halt the shifting momentum.  Cram’s stoppage proved effective as the Eagles closed the half on a 9-0 run of their own, sending Mercer into intermission behind 34-25.

Williams and her classmate Rebecca Clanton provided the firepower for the Bears in the first half, combining to score 19 of Mercer’s 25 points.  The freshman duo did most of their damage from beyond the arc, finishing the first stanza five-of-eight from three-point range.

The host’s hot streak didn’t cool during the 15 minute intermission, as the Eagles opened the second period on a 20-2 run that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. 

Georgia Southern would push its lead 69-40 with 4:17 remaining before Mercer finished the contest on a 12-2 charge of its own.

“I was pleased when we tied it up at 25,” Gardner said. “But then they finished the half on a 9-0 run. These guys have got to be able to handle success and keep going. We didn’t’ compete in 2^nd half at all and I’m disappointed in the effort.  There are a lot of things to be address, and we will do that in practice tomorrow.”

Mercer freshman point guard Sharnea Boykin was injured with 7:47 to go in the second half after dishing seven assists, grabbing seven rebounds and scoring two points.  Boykin was replaced by freshman Ariel Barnes, who scored four points, notched three steals and recorded a pair of assists in eight minutes played.

Mercer returns to action with its home opener against Furman on November 19.  Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.