November 4, 2010

Women’s Basketball Stumbles in Exhibition

MACON, Ga. – Freshman Brittnee Hazel netted 11 points and finished one rebound shy of a double-double, but the Mercer women’s basketball team was upended by Georgia College and State University, 67-57, in Thursday night’s women’s basketball exhibition game at the University Center.

Thursday night’s game marked the lone exhibition game for the team and also the Mercer debut of head coach Susie Gardner.

“I thought the exhibition served its purpose,” Gardner said.  “There are still a lot of questions out there as to who our scorers are going to be, but we saw bright spots from certain individuals.”

One bright spot came in the form of a second-half spark provided by freshman Rebecca Clanton.

Clanton scored eight points in just under two minutes as the Bears ripped off a 13-2 run to close within three (56-53), with 5:02 remaining.

GCSU proved resilient, however, employing a timeout to quell the momentum and out-scoring the Bears 7-2 over the next 2:25. 

“This game will help us prepare for out next outing at Auburn,” Gardner said.  “We are not where we need to be, but we’re going to be okay.”

Hazel’s 11 points came on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor as the forward led all bench scorers in her collegiate debut.  Hazel also recorded two blocks and an assist on Thursday night.

Junior Neicey Lewis tallied 11 points, three rebounds, three steals and a pair of assists in the loss.  Sophomore Alex Phillips grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds and scored six points in the losing effort.

Sophomore Kendra Grant added eight points and six boards while freshman Sharnea Boykin notched seven points and six assists on the evening.

Mercer returns to the hardwood in its season opener at Auburn on November 12.  Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.