Ethan Stair

Mercer defeats Alabama State 70-49

Published Nov. 19, 2015 9:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

MACON, Ga. (AP) Phillip Leonard scored 14 points with seven assists, and Ethan Stair scored 12 points off the bench, as Mercer defeated Alabama State 70-49 on Thursday night.

The Bears (3-0) dominated the boards, outrebounding Alabama State 49-23. Stephon Jelks grabbed a career-high 16 boards, 13 on the defensive glass, and scored 10 points for Mercer. Demetre Rivers also scored 10.

Alabama State (1-2) lived and died on the 3-point shot, lofting 27 long-range shots but making 10. The Hornets finished 16 of 52 from the field, but went through an icy stretch that saw them hit one field goal (a 3) and two free throws over 12:57 of the first half, trailing 37-16 at the break.

Torlorft Thomas' 3-pointer for Alabama State cut the gap to 12-11 at 12:57. Then came the cold stretch. Thomas finished with 16 points and Jamel Waters scored 15.

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Ethan Stair

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