South Carolina State gave a great effort for the second time in as many nights, however, the outcome was no different as the Bulldogs dropped a 76-73 decision to Mercer in the consolation game of the Jim ?N Nick’s Cougar Classic at the John Kresse Arena. On Saturday, Coach Tim Carter’s team fell to James Madison 84-75 in the opening round of the event.
It was the second loss in as many outings for Carter’s team, which dipped to 4-10 on the season.
The Bulldogs, ahead by four at the half, fell behind by as many as 10 points, at 66-56, with 6:08 to play in the contest before mounting a comeback that pulled SC State to within one point three times in the final minute, the last time at 74-73 with 7.4 seconds left on two Jason Johnson free throws.
Carter’s team then forced a turnover in front of the Bulldog bench with 04.5 ticks on the clock. The Bulldogs took a timeout to set up a possible winning basket, however, the inbounds pass, intended for Johnson, was stolen by the Bears’ Brian Mills who was fouled and made two free throws on the other end with 02.2 seconds left giving Mercer a 76-73 edge. A desperation three-point attempt by SC State at the buzzer was off the mark.
Carter lamented the failed execution by his team at the end, but praised the effort of the Bulldogs.
“We were trying to get a lob into Jason,” he said, ?however, we were at an awkward angle and just failed to make a good pass. Mercer did a good job of defending the play.
“But, we played hard the entire game and I like that about our team. We are not satisfied with a ?moral’ victory, but we are getting better and I hope we continue to improve.”
Johnson led SC State with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and he connected on 6-8 from the charity stripe, including four in a row in the closing seconds, a vast improvement on his 5-15 effort in his team’s 84-75 loss to James Madison on Saturday.
Thomas Bookman added 11 points for the Bulldogs, Jason Flagler and Phillip Adams nine, while Carrio Bennett, Jessie Burton and Robert Baker contributed eight each.
Adams, one of two football players to join the basketball team recently, got his first start, and in addition to his nine points, contribute five assists, one steal and one block, although he did have five turnovers.
“I like the effort we are getting from Adams,” Carter said. “Just look at his line (statistics). He can penetrate and make plays. He is a good defender and takes good shots, and he makes us a better team.”
Mercer, who earlier in the year, defeated #18 Southern Cal, was paced by Shaddean Aaron with 20 points and Brian Pfohl with 14.
The first half was closely contested with 12 ties and six lead changes before SC State took a 37-33 edge to the locker room. Overall, the game featured 15 lead changes and seven deadlocks.