Mercer overpowers winless Alcorn State

Mercer romped its way into the record books on Saturday at Hawkins Arena, overwhelming Alcorn State 68-43 to improve to 8-1, its best start since the program's move to NCAA Division I competition in 1970.

The Bears took an early lead and dominated the Braves (0-7) from there, with Demetre Rivers leading the way by setting careers highs for points and rebounds in a single game with 15 points and six boards.

The Bears also flexed some defensive muscle in the victory. Mercer set a season-best for points allowed, limiting the Braves to 43 points and a paltry 28 percent field goal percentage. The Bears have held opponents under 50 points three times this season, including the past two games.

THREE WHO MATTERED

Demetre Rivers: Rivers was a difference-maker in multiple facets Saturday. Not only did he lead the Bears with 15 points and tied for the team lead with six rebounds, but he took full advantage of scoring chances, as well. He was 4-of-5 from the field and also 9-of-11 from the free-throw line.

Stephon Jelks: To go along with his six rebounds, Jelks had 10 points. Three of those points were crucial with his 3-point shot late in the first half that capped a 15-3 Mercer run that turned things fully in the Bears' favor.

Jestin Lewis: Lewis followed up matching a career high on Wednesday night, pouring in 10 points Saturday. He scored eight of those points on consecutive baskets, with two of those being 3-pointers.

TURNING POINT

Mercer blew a close game wide open in the first half, ripping off a 15-3 run to turn a 12-10 lead into a 27-12 advantage. During that span, the Bears drained four 3-point shots from three different players.

THEY SAID IT

Mercer head coach Bob Hoffman on the win: "We continue to find ways to get through transition. We didn't do it as much (Saturday), but we didn't score as much as we'd like, either. I'm just thrilled with the victory, and we had multiple guys for us be successful."

Jibri Bryan on Mercer's 8-1 start to the season: "That was very big, that's something special that we can always remember. We can be 50 years old and always come back and talk about that."

Demetre Rivers on setting a career high: "My teammates were setting me up well, (Stephon Jelks) was setting me up on the back door and a good jump shot and I was able to get to the line a lot and knock down free throws."

Rivers on the first-half run: "It was big. The crowd was into it, there was a lot of energy and our teammates were pumping us up. When you're tired out there on the floor, that fills you up with more adrenaline and helps keep you going."

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Bears won't play at home again until Jan. 2, playing four times on the road between now and then. Mercer visits Auburn on Dec. 15, Arkansas on Dec. 19, Ohio State on Dec. 22 and Kennesaw State on Dec. 30.

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 9:02 PM with the headline "Mercer overpowers winless Alcorn State ."