Western Carolina beats Mercer in 2 overtimes, 86-80

Jan 24, 2016, 03:37 pm

CULLOWHEE, N.C. -- Mike Brown scored 25 points, including seven in the second overtime, and Rhett Harrelson added key points in Western Carolina's 86-80 win over Mercer on Sunday.

Brown's layup and short jumper gave the Catamounts (8-12, 3-4 Southern) an 80-75 lead. Harrelson's jumper and three Brown free throws made it 84-78 before Harrelson added two more free throws with 17 seconds left for a seven-point edge.

Harrelson's right-hander off the glass with 1:19 left was the final basket in the first overtime.

Western Carolina led by 10 with 1:16 remaining in regulation but Jestin Lewis, with 27 points, scored nine points for Mercer (14-6, 4-3) including a four-point play to tie with 35 seconds left.

Brown made 13 of 14 free throws. Harrelson added 22 points, Elijah Pughsley 16 and Justin Browning 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Mercer led by eight at halftime but the Catamounts shot 57 percent in second half.