MACON, Ga. (AP) Phillip Leonard and Jestin Lewis scored 17 points apiece as Mercer opened the season with a 96-70 win over NAIA's Allen on Friday night.
Leonard also had seven assists and seven rebounds and Lewis had five assists. Ethan Stair and Lawrence Brown chipped in 10 points each for the Bears.
Mercer made just 1 of 13 3-point attempts but hit 33 of 61 (54.1%) from the floor while limiting Allen to 20-of-64 shooting. The Bears also won the rebound battle 51-32.
Mercer picked up 60 points in the paint while limiting Allen to just 14.
Emaray Johnson led Allen with 17 points and Sherod Wade and Derrick McCord added 15 apiece. Donald Marshall, who finished with 7 points, had nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Mercer had a 13-0 run to lead 35-14 with 3:20 left in the first half and was ahead 42-22 at the break.
