GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Devin Sibley scored 23 points and Furman made five of six free throws in the last 34 seconds to hold off Mercer 71-69 on Monday night.

The game was Sibley's sixth 20-point total this season for the Paladins (9-6, 2-0 Southern Conference). Matt Rafferty added 14 points and Daniel Fowler 13.

Furman scored 22 points from the free throw line, Rafferty making six of seven attempts.

Jordan Strawberry led Mercer (6-9, 0-2) with a season-high 23 points and twice pulled the Bears within a point late in the game -- hitting a jumper to make it 63-62 and a 3-pointer making it 66-65 with 51 seconds left. The total was one off his career best.

Strawberry played despite learning of his maternal grandfather's death earlier Monday.

Andrew Fishler scored nine and Desmond Ringer eight for Mercer.

The win was Furman's 11th straight Southern Conference home victory.