Lyons hits winner, scores 25 as Furman edges Mercer 64-62

MACON, Ga. (AP) — Jordan Lyons tossed in 25 points and scored on a layup with 17 seconds remaining in the game and Furman slipped past Mercer 64-62 on Friday night.

It was the first Southern Conference matchup of the season for both teams.

Clay Mounce had 12 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season for the Paladins (11-3), who picked up their fourth straight win.

Maciej Bender had 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks for the Bears (5-7). It was Bender’s second double-double of the season. Jeff Gary added 13 points, while Ross Cummings scored 12. Djordje Dimitrijevic, the Bears’ second leading scorer heading into the matchup at 16 points per game, made just 1 of 8 shots..

A jumper by Ethan Stair gave Mercer a 55-51 lead with 5:27 left to play. Gary’s 3-pointer with 1:13 remaining knotted the score at 62.