CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel men's basketball team began a four-game homestand with a 74-65 setback to Mercer Saturday afternoon inside McAlister Field House.
Game Information
Score: Mercer 74, The Citadel 65
Records: Mercer (11-12, 4-6), The Citadel (9-13, 4-6)
Location: McAlister Field House (Charleston, South Carolina)
Series: Mercer leads 22-8
How it Happened
- Mercer scored the first point of the game, but the Bulldogs had an answer. AJ Smith scored in the paint with just over 11 minutes to play in the half to conclude an 18-5 run that saw the Bulldogs open an 18-11 lead.
- The remainder of the first half went back-and-forth with three ties in the final eight minutes.
- Elijah Morgan hit a tough driving layup just before the buzzer to send the teams to the locker with the Bears leading by one.
- The Bulldogs hit a scoring drought coming out of the locker room as they went scoreless through the first media timeout, allowing the Bears to open an eight point advantage.
- The Citadel again battled back and tied the game on an Austin Ash three-pointer with a little over eight minutes to play.
- The Mercer lead would grow to seven points before Shawn Walker Jr. banked in a three-pointer from well beyond the arc to beat the shot clock.
- The Citadel was forced to foul down the stretch, and the Bears were able to make enough free throws to keep the lead in double digits.
Inside the Box Score
- The Citadel put four players in double figures for the second-straight game.
- Stephen Clark led the way with 18 points, while AJ Smith chipped in 12 off the bench.
- Elijah Morgan and Austin Ash each finished with 11 points.
- The Citadel scored 36 of its points in the pain.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are back in action Monday evening as they welcome Chicago State to the Lowcountry. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
