MACON, Ga. – The Mercer men’s basketball team steps out of conference play tonight when it meets Charleston Southern at the University Center in a 7 p.m. tip-off.
“We are excited to renew this rivalry,” said Mercer head coach Mark Slonaker. “Charleston Southern is extremely well-coached. Coach Radebaugh has them playing well and with confidence. Their backcourt trio is experienced and talented. It will be a challenge for us to contain them, because their inside players are also talented. It looks to be another exciting game at the University Center.”
The Bears and Charleston are both coming off dramatic overtime victories, as the Buccaneers topped College of Charleston, 84-80, for the second straight year, while Mercer (2-4, 1-1, A-Sun) snapped a two-game losing skid with an 84-77 overtime win over Kennesaw State.
Mercer and Charleston Southern (5-3) have not met since Feb. 5, 1981, when Charleston Southern was known as Baptist College. The Bears lead the all-time series, 6-1. Mercer took the first game, 95-71, in Macon, Dec. 3, 1975, but dropped the next match-up. The double-overtime,75-74, loss has been the lone defeat suffered by Mercer in the series.
Freshman James Florence is coming off his first career double-double, helping lead the Bears past Kennesaw State with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals. Junior Shaddean Aaron also had a career night against the Owls, scoring 21 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists. Sophomore Calvin Henry came up big in the win, notching his second career double-double, scoring 11 points to go along with 13 boards.
Coach Barclay Radebaugh’s Buccaneers, who return three of their top four scorers from a year ago, were a pre-season choice to finish fourth in the Big South Conference, behind Winthrop, Coastal Carolina and High Point. Junior Chris Moore received two votes for Big South Player of the Year after helping Charleston Southern advance to the semi-finals of the Big South Conference Tournament last year.
Tonight’s game can be heard live via Webcast at MercerBears.com or on WIFN (105.5 FM) radio station in Macon.
