SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer’s Jestin Lewis has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for all games played Dec. 15-21. Lewis averaged 24.5 points and 7.0 rebounds last week as the Bears dropped a 78-71 decision at Auburn, before topping Arkansas (69-66) in overtime.

The senior scored a game-high 28 points, including 18 in the second half, in the loss at Auburn. He went 11-of-19 from the field and pulled down five rebounds and dished out two assists against the Tigers.

Lewis followed that performance with a game-high 21 points and a career-best nine rebounds in the overtime win against the Razorbacks.  The Richmond, Va., native connected on 5-of-9 from 3-point range, dished out two assists and was credited with a block and a steal in the victory.   Lewis shot 51 percent (19-of-37) from the field last week and was 8-of-16 from 3-point range. 

The Bears return to action Tuesday (Dec. 22) when they visit Ohio State. 

Other top performers in the Southern Conference included The Citadel’s Derrick Henry, ETSU’s T.J. Cromer, Samford’s Darius Jones-Gibson and Chattanooga’s Tre’ McLean.

SoCon Men’s Basketball Player of the Week
Nov. 17 – Mike Brown, Western Carolina
Nov. 24 – Stephon Jelks, Mercer
Dec. 1 – QJ Peterson, VMI
Dec. 9 – Mike Brown, Western Carolina
Dec. 15 – Matt Rose, Samford
Dec. 22 – Jestin Lewis, Mercer