MACON, Ga. –  The third season of the Greg Gary era earns its third win of the 2021-2022 season over Milligan, 88-49, while placing three players in double figures.

Mercer (3-4, 0-0 SoCon) performed well in the first half and started off hot from the open floor. The Bears would go on to shoot 58% as a team in the first half. Shannon Grant added to that number in a major way by going 9-for-10 on the day, which is a career high for the sophomore. Grant also broke his career high in overall points, blocks, and steals. The future is bright with Grant. Neftali Alvarez and Jalen Johnson would round out the rest of Mercer's shooting by combining for 27 points. The Bears put in hard work off the glass as they totaled for 41 boards with Felipe Haase, Alvarez, and Grant recording 20 of them.

The Orange & Black picked right back up where they left off in the first half, even with new faces on the court. The Bears didn't shoot as effectively but they were able to make 50% of their overall shots in the second half. Mercer's mid-range shot selection became more decisive and their defense stepped up in all areas of the court. Jacksen Greco, and Jovan Tucker played valuable minutes off the bench today as the team's 3 and D combination. Victor Bafutto, Jordan Jones, John Treanor, Diego Rivera, and Harrison Drake all saw the court tonight as well. Rivera, Treanor, and Jones were all able to tally at least one three on the day. Bafutto stepped up and recorded 5 rebounds. The Bears shared the ball well, allowing everyone to get their opportunity to create for themselves which led to tonight's victory. 

Milligan still (0-7, 0-6) at the end of regulation as they counted tonight's matchup as an exhibition. The Buffaloes started off slow in the first, shooting just 6-24. The Buffs put up an impressive 31 rebounds in the game and that's what gave them such great second chances on offense. Nevertheless, it was Mercer's fast pace and efficient shots from all over the court as well as Shannon Grant stepping up in a major way that led to today's victory. 

NOTABLES

• Grant led the Bears with 18 points and 7 rebounds, both career highs.
• Haase brought down 8 boards.
• Johnson and Alvarez tallied 27 points. 
• Grant shot 90% from FG. 
• There were five Bears to all have three assists or more on the day. (Johnson, Alvarez, Rivera, Haase, Walker Jr.)
• Rivera shot 75% FG. 

 
UP NEXT
Mercer will travel to in state foe Kennesaw on Dec. 1 to play against Kennesaw State in the KSU CONVOCATION CENTER with the tip-off slated for 7 p.m. The matchup on Saturday can be viewed on ESPN+ and can be heard on the Mercer Sports Network (100.9 The Creek, SportsMic).  

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Purchase your 2021-22 season ticket here to watch the Bears in action at Hawkins Arena. The cost for the cushioned seating is $175 and $150 for reserved seating. Single game tickets are here.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE BEARS
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