Associated Press

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Justin Cecil scored 26 points to help lead Mercer to a 73-66 win over USC Upstate on Monday night for the Bears’ fourth win in five games.

Jakob Gollon added 10 points for the Bears (12-7, 4-2 A-Sun), who used a strong run out of halftime to seal the victory.

Tied at 31 at halftime, Cecil had a layup and a 3-pointer on back-to-back Mercer possessions to fuel a 14-1 run to begin the second half. The Bears led the rest of the way, outscoring the Spartans 42-35 in the second half.

Torrey Craig scored 17 points and Ricardo Glenn had 16 for the Spartans, who have lost three of their last four.

The Bears have won five straight against the Spartans (9-8, 3-2) and hold a 6-2 all-time advantage in the series.