MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Mercer fell on Friday night, 59-49, to Middle Tennessee in their first contest of December in the Murphy Center to start out a quick, two-game road set. The Bears were held to a season-low 28% (7-of-25) from the field and just five second chance points and seven rebounds on the offensive side. Mercer's scoring primarily came from Shannon Titus (12), Jaron Dougherty (11) and Endia Banks (9). Middle Tennessee slightly outrebounded the Bears with a 44-40 margin, but Mercer had the 33-28 edge in offensive boards.

How it Happened
The host Lady Raiders (6-1) used a 22-12 run that spanned the end of the first quarter and for the entirety of the second to take control of the matchup over visiting Mercer (5-4). Middle Tennessee was led by Ksenniya Malashka's 22 points and 11 boards, which paced all players for both squads. 12 of her 22 points came via the three-pointer.

Both teams traded shots until 1:05 left in the opening frame when a Courtney Blakely steal swung the game's momentum for good and the Lady Raiders went on their run. In the first half, Titus added eight points and Dougherty collected six rebounds – five of which came on defense.

Nigeria Harkless' six points – all scored in the third frame - matches a career-high she set in the last game versus Kennesaw State earlier this week. Banks and Erin Houpt both knocked threes for Mercer.

Mercer finished the contest by stopping the hosts from scoring in the game's last 5:50 and outscored Middle Tennessee 10-7 in the final quarter.

Up Next
Mercer will stay in the Volunteer State and matchup with Tennessee State on Sunday. Tipoff from the Music City is slated for 2 p.m. ET.