MACON, Ga. -- Jestin Lewis had 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting Thursday night and Mercer made 9 of 10 free throws in the final 1:13 to pull away from VMI 73-58.

Mercer (15-6, 5-3 Southern) used an 11-2 run to lead 60-46 on Stephon Jelks' free throw with 6:34 left. VMI (6-13, 1-7) responded to get within 64-58 on Tim Marshall's 3-pointer with 1:30 left. After that, the Keydets missed their last five attempts from the field.

VMI led for most of the first half with its biggest lead at 19-8. Mercer closed on a 9-0 run to go in front 36-34 at the break.

Jelks added 14 points and Phillip Leonard scored 10 for Mercer.

Julian Eleby had 15 points to lead the Keydets. QJ Peterson and Marshall added 14 each and Trey Chapman scored 11.