Mercer set for another tough test against Wofford

The Mercer Bears passed their first test of the week Thursday, holding off Furman at Hawkins Arena.

But they quickly have to get ready for the next test.

Mercer hosts Wofford on Saturday afternoon with both teams among the leaders in the Southern Conference. The Bears are 13-4 overall and 3-1 in the conference, while the Terriers are 7-10 overall and 3-1.

"Wofford's a big game, too. We've got to forget about (the Furman game) and turn our attention to Wofford," Mercer sophomore Stephon Jelks said. "We have to come to practice and figure out a way to get it done again."

The Bears got it done against Furman with a strong first half before holding off a furious Paladins comeback in the second half. Mercer led by 16 at the half and won 69-65.

After a tough non-conference schedule, Wofford already has two road conference wins, beating VMI and The Citadel. Three Terriers are averaging in double figures in points: Spencer Collins (14.6), Fletcher Magee (11.2) and Justin Gordon (10.9).

"They're a great team," Mercer senior Jestin Lewis said. "They run a lot of set plays, and they have a great system and a great coach, and they have talented players. So we're just going to have to focus and scout and get back to working hard."

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Mercer set for another tough test against Wofford ."