Mercer holds off VMI 62-56 for 3rd straight win
LEXINGTON, Va. -- Ria'n Holland had 16 points and Stephon Jelks added 13 with 11 rebounds as Mercer held off VMI 62-56 to gets its third straight win and even its Southern Conference record on Thursday night.
Holland hit 4 of 7 from deep, making 6 of 11 field goal attempts. Demetre Rivers added 13 points and Desmond Ringer grabbed 11 rebounds for Mercer (10-9, 3-3).
Coach Bob Hoffman picked up his 500th career victory, 189 of which have come at Mercer.
The Bears took the lead for good when Jordan Strawberry nailed a 3 with 6:58 left in the first half. VMI stayed within striking distance but never regained the lead.
VMI's Keith Smith drilled a 3-pointer to close to 59-56 with 43 seconds left. Strawberry made three free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Bubba Parham had 18 points and Smith added 17 for VMI (5-12, 0-6).
Game Information
- Referees:
- Dwayne Carnes
- Karl Hess
- Todd Austin
2024-25 Southern Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samford | 5-1 | - | 15-4 |
| UNC Greensboro | 5-2 | 0.5 | 12-8 |
| East Tennessee State | 5-2 | 0.5 | 12-8 |
| Wofford | 5-2 | 0.5 | 11-9 |
| Chattanooga | 4-2 | 1 | 12-7 |
| Furman | 3-4 | 2.5 | 15-5 |
| Mercer | 3-4 | 2.5 | 10-10 |
| VMI | 3-4 | 2.5 | 9-11 |
| Western Carolina | 1-6 | 4.5 | 5-13 |
| The Citadel | 0-7 | 5.5 | 5-13 |
Men's College Basketball News
