Georgia Southern 80, Mercer 69

Nov 26, 2007, 10:34 pm

STATESBORO, Ga. (AP) -- Willie Powers scored 26 points and Georgia Southern pulled away in the second half and beat Mercer 80-69 Monday night.

The score was tied at 41 early in the second half when Georgia Southern (5-1) moved ahead for good with a 5-0 run.

The Eagles led 61-51 with 12:19 left before Michael Ellis pulled Mercer (1-5) within seven points with a free throw and a layup. Georgia Southern then scored the next five points for a 66-54 lead.

Powers, who was 4-for-6 from 3-point range, scored 17 of his points in the first half.

Brian Pfohl led Mercer with 21 points, including 10-for-12 from the field. Dwayne Foreman had 16 points and eight assists for Georgia Southern, and Louis Graham had 14 points and nine rebounds.