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For three quarters, it felt like Furman had just enough shot-making to hang around.
Then Mercer flipped the switch.
A 13–0 run over the final 2:59 turned what was a competitive game into a statement finish, as the Bears closed strong to secure an 80–63 victory.
Depth Wins the Night
Mercer didn’t rely on one superstar performance. Instead, it was balance and execution.
The Bears shot 40% from the field (26–65) and dominated at the stripe, converting 24 of 28 free throws (86%) — a massive separator in a game where Furman left points behind, shooting just 63% (22–35) from the line.
Arian Bennett and Abigael Holtman led the way with 16 points apiece, while Nahawa Diarra filled up the box score with 14 points and 7 assists. Mercer finished with 13 assists on 26 made field goals — a solid indicator of offensive flow and ball movement.
Perhaps most telling? Mercer outscored Furman 25–13 in the fourth quarter.
When it mattered most, the Bears were sharper, stronger, and more composed.
Furman’s Offensive Drought
Furman had chances.
Alyssa Ervin poured in 19 points and Clare Coyle added 11 points and 14 rebounds, giving the Paladins interior presence and scoring balance. But outside of Ervin’s efficiency (9-of-13 from the line), Furman struggled to string together consistent scoring possessions.
The Paladins shot just 38% from the floor (18–47) and committed 22 turnovers, compared to Mercer’s 13. Those extra possessions compounded over 40 minutes, especially in a game that tightened entering the final period.
Then came the decisive stretch.
Over the final three minutes, Furman went cold — missing their last seven field goal attempts and enduring a scoring drought of nearly four minutes. Mercer capitalized with transition buckets and free throws, ballooning the margin in a blink.
The Statistical Separation
While the rebounding battle was nearly even (39–37 Furman edge), the difference showed up in execution:
- Turnovers: Mercer +9 advantage
- Free Throws: Mercer +11 made
- Bench Points: Mercer 39, Furman 3
That bench production was enormous. Mercer’s second unit not only sustained momentum but extended it.
In games where depth becomes the deciding factor, Mercer has the formula.
The Closing Message
This wasn’t just a win — it was a mature finish.
Mercer absorbed Furman’s runs, controlled tempo late, and executed in high-leverage moments. The Bears didn’t overwhelm with flash; they overwhelmed with discipline.
For Furman, the story is cleaner: protect the ball, finish possessions, and convert at the line. The foundation is there — but the margins at this level are unforgiving.
And on this night, Mercer owned those margins.
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