MACON, Ga. (AP) Jasmine Joyner scored 18 points with six rebounds and seven blocked shots and No. 18 Chattanooga survived against Mercer 56-51 on Monday.
Mercer opened a 10-2 lead over the first 6 1/2 minutes as Chattanooga (25-3, 13-0 Southern) came out cold, making just 1 of 7 from the floor and missing its first two free throws. The Mocs chipped away throughout the rest of the half, and Destiny Bramblett's free throws with one second left drew Chattanooga to within two, 23-21, at the break.
Alicia Payne's layup with 2:07 left put Chattanooga up 51-49, and Ka'Vonne Towns followed with a jumper to make it a four-point game. Towns then made 3 of 4 at the line while Mercer made just one basket in the last two minutes.
Precious Bridges led Mercer (16-13, 8-5) with 19 points.
