Samford Bulldogs @ Mercer Bears
9-5, 0-1 SoCon
50
9-5, 0-1 SoCon
11-3, 1-0 SoCon
69
11-3, 1-0 SoCon
Mercer rolls over Samford 69-50 to open conference play
MACON, Ga. -- Phillip Leonard had 15 points and Stephon Jelks added 12 with nine rebounds as Mercer dominated Samford 69-50 to open Southern Conference play on Saturday.
Mercer (11-3, 1-0) has won eight of its last 10 games, only losing to Ohio State 64-44 and Auburn 78-71.
The Bears had a 22-4 run to end the first half with a 36-15 lead, which was the fewest points they have allowed in a half this season. Samford never recovered from that onslaught.
Leonard, who made 4 of 6 from the floor, also had five rebounds and dished out five assists. Demetre Rivers added 11 points for the Bears.
Jamal Shabazz and Christen Cunningham led Samford (9-5, 0-1) with 15 points apiece.
Game Information
Macon, GA
ESPN3
Referee:Dan Stryffeler
Referee:Carl Pundt
Referee:Jerome Hall
2025-26 Standings
NCAA Division I
| Southern Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 13-5 | - | 23-11 |
| Mercer | 11-7 | 2 | 19-13 |
| Wofford | 11-7 | 2 | 19-13 |
| Samford | 11-7 | 2 | 18-14 |
| Furman | 10-8 | 3 | 22-13 |
| Western Carolina | 10-8 | 3 | 15-16 |
| UNC Greensboro | 9-9 | 4 | 15-19 |
| Chattanooga | 7-11 | 6 | 13-19 |
| The Citadel | 7-11 | 6 | 11-22 |
| VMI | 1-17 | 12 | 6-26 |
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