Fowler gets hot late to help Furman beat Mercer 74-71

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Daniel Fowler scored 14 of his 21 points in the final minutes as Furman rallied late to beat Mercer 74-71 on Saturday to remain undefeated in Southern Conference action.

Furman (12-4, 3-0) was up 37-36 at the break but the Bears started strong in the second period to go ahead 59-50 at the 8:43 mark. The Paladins tied it at 59-59 following Fowler's 3 with 6:18 remaining. Fowler followed with two free throws, a dunk and another 3-pointer for a 66-63 advantage with 2:53 left. Fowler and Jordan Lyons made six free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Lyons and Matt Fafferty had 12 points apiece with Devin Sibley adding 11 and John Davis III chipping in 10 for Furman, which has won eight of the last nine games.

Desmond Ringer led Mercer (7-8, 0-2) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists.