GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) Alex Wilkins scored 20 points and hit a go-ahead jumper with 19 seconds left to help Furman Paladins defeat Mercer Bears 74-72 on Wednesday in a Southern Conference opener.

Wilkins also had seven assists for the Paladins (10-4, 1-0), who have won six in a row. Asa Thomas scored 19 and grabbed five rebounds. Tom House added 13 points.

Baraka Okojie led the Bears (8-6, 0-1) with 22 points. Zaire Williams added 13 points for Mercer. Brady Shoulders had nine points, nine rebounds and five steals.

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