Mercer's high-powered offense was on full display at First Horizon Coliseum, as the Bears took down UNC Greensboro 102-92. Led by Baraka Okojie's 25 points, Mercer showed its depth and versatility, with three other players scoring in double figures. The Bears' balanced attack proved too much for the Spartans to handle, as they fell to 8-13 on the season.
The first half was a shootout, with Mercer taking a 51-37 lead into the break. UNC Greensboro's KJ Younger did his best to keep the Spartans in it, scoring 21 points on the night, but the Bears' offense was relentless. Armani Mighty added 20 points and 13 rebounds for Mercer, while Zaire Williams chipped in with 17 points. The Bears' ability to score from both inside and outside was a key factor in their victory, as they shot a high percentage from the field and dominated the glass.
Despite a strong effort from Younger, UNC Greensboro was unable to mount a serious comeback in the second half. The Spartans cut the deficit to single digits on several occasions, but Mercer always seemed to have an answer. Lilian Marville and Justin Neely provided some spark for UNC Greensboro, scoring 18 and 13 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bears' potent offense.
The win improves Mercer's record to 13-8, and the Bears want to build on this momentum as they continue their season. For UNC Greensboro, the loss is a setback, but the Spartans can take some positives from their performance. Younger's 21 points were a highlight, and the team's ability to score 92 points against a solid Mercer defense is a reflection of their own offensive capabilities.
In terms of tournament implications, this result is a Quadrant 3 loss for UNC Greensboro, which won't help their chances of making a postseason push. For Mercer, the win is a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry as much weight, but still adds to their overall resume. With a current net ranking of 133, Mercer is solidly in the mix for a potential tournament bid, and performances like this will only help their case. As the season wears on, the Bears want to continue their strong play and make a push for a spot in the postseason.