Mercer women's basketball team continues its hot streak

Mercer women's basketball head coach Susie Gardner thought her team would need a complete effort Thursday to avenge its only Southern Conference loss of the season.

And Gardner got just that as Mercer pulled away for a 61-45 win over East Tennessee State. The Bears, who stay on the road Saturday at Chattanooga, are 20-6 overall and 10-1 in conference play.

Mercer outscored East Tennessee State 16-4 in the fourth quarter to get revenge for the loss last month when it had a nine-point lead entering the final quarter only to lose by two.

"I thought our defense was just outstanding, and we went after every loose ball," Gardner said. "We got better (Thursday)."

Kahlia Lawrence led three players in double figures with 21 points, while Linnea Rosendal added 17, including three 3-pointers. Point guard Syndi Means had 10 points, eight assists (with just one turnover) and seven rebounds.

Amanda Thompson didn't score, but she had 11 rebounds as the Bears outrebounded the Buccaneers 42-32.

"Obviously, we lost a heartbreaker to East Tennessee State the first time, and we needed everybody," said Gardner, whose team has won six straight since that loss and 14 of 15 overall. "Amanda had 11 rebounds. Sydni was close to a triple-double. ... close. Linnea hit big shots. Kahlia hit big shots."

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Mercer women's basketball team continues its hot streak ."