Mercer defeats Niagara 74-55

MACON, Ga. (AP) Justin Cecil scored 23 points to lead Mercer in a 74-55 win over Niagara on Tuesday night.

Jakob Gollon added 10 points for the Bears (4-1), who remained undefeated in the Progressive CBE Classic's Macon subregional with their second win in as many games.

Mercer opened the game on a 14-2 run thanks in part to a pair of 3-pointers by Cecil, pushed it to 25-5 and led 43-19 at the break. Niagara outscored Mercer 36-31 in the second half, but the game was never in doubt for the Bears.

Cecil finished 7 of 11 from beyond the arc for the Bears, who were 10 of 22 (45.5 percent). The Purple Eagles were just 3 of 19 (15.8 percent) from long range.

Mercer also outrebounded Niagara 40-27, with Gollon grabbing a game-high eight to lead the Bears.

Antoine Mason led Niagara (1-3) with 20 points.

Updated November 22, 2011