MACON, Ga. (AP) -Daniel Emerson scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to help Mercer defeat Florida Gulf Coast 78-72 on Monday night.
E.J. Kusnyer added 22 points for the Bears (11-11, 7-6 Atlantic Sun Conference), who shot 44.9 percent from the field (22 of 49).
Mercer, which led 36-32 at halftime, took a 37-32 lead on Jeff Smith's free throw 23 seconds into the second half.
The Eagles (7-15, 4-9) then pulled within 40-38 on two free throws by Reed Baker with 13:05 remaining.
Florida Gulf Coast turned the ball over two times as the Bears pulled away with a 7-2 run, taking a 47-40 lead on Daniel Emerson's free throws with 9:45 left.
Brandon Moore added 12 points and Brian Mills chipped in 11 for the Bears.
The Eagles were led by Anthony Banks with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Reed Baker added 13 points and Reggie Chambers had 12 for Florida Gulf Coast.
