Mercer holds off VMI 62-56 for 3rd straight win

Jan 19, 2019, 02:15 am

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Ria'n Holland had 16 points and Stephon Jelks added 13 with 11 rebounds as Mercer held off VMI 62-56 to gets its third straight win and even its Southern Conference record on Thursday night.

Holland hit 4 of 7 from deep, making 6 of 11 field goal attempts. Demetre Rivers added 13 points and Desmond Ringer grabbed 11 rebounds for Mercer (10-9, 3-3).

Coach Bob Hoffman picked up his 500th career victory, 189 of which have come at Mercer.

The Bears took the lead for good when Jordan Strawberry nailed a 3 with 6:58 left in the first half. VMI stayed within striking distance but never regained the lead.

VMI's Keith Smith drilled a 3-pointer to close to 59-56 with 43 seconds left. Strawberry made three free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Bubba Parham had 18 points and Smith added 17 for VMI (5-12, 0-6).