Mercer's high-powered offense was on full display at Hawkins Arena, as the Bears downed Wofford 109-97. The win was fueled by a blistering first-half performance, with Mercer scoring 58 points to take a 12-point lead into the break. Baraka Okojie was the catalyst for the Bears, pouring in 29 points and dishing out 12 assists to lead the charge.
Wofford's Nils Machowski did his best to keep the Terriers in the game, scoring 33 points and adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists to his stat line. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Mercer, which saw three players score in double figures. Kyle Cuffe Jr. added 19 points, while Armani Mighty chipped in with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The second half saw Wofford attempt to mount a comeback, with the Terriers outscoring Mercer 51-51. However, the deficit proved too great to overcome, and Mercer held on for the 12-point win. The Bears' ability to maintain their lead was a reflection of their depth and resilience, as they withstood a strong effort from Wofford's supporting cast, including Kahmare Holmes and Cayden Vasko, who scored 22 and 18 points, respectively.
The win is a significant one for Mercer, as it comes against a solid Wofford team. While it may not have been an upset, the margin of victory and the impressive performance from Okojie will certainly turn heads. For Wofford, the loss is a tough one, but the Terriers can take solace in the fact that it was a Quadrant 2 game, which will still look good on their resume.
In terms of resume implications, this result is a mixed bag for both teams. For Mercer, the win is a Quadrant 4 game, which won't do much to boost their tournament chances. However, the Bears' strong performance will still be a positive note in their overall profile. For Wofford, the loss is a setback, but the fact that it was a Q2 game means that it won't be a devastating blow to their resume. The Terriers want to bounce back and continue to build their case for a tournament bid. As it stands, Mercer's win will be a nice addition to their profile, but they still have work to do to make a serious push for the postseason.