Furman beats Mercer, advances to SoCon championship

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Stephen Croone had 17 points and 14 rebounds, Kris Acox had three key baskets down the stretch and 10th-seeded Furman upset third-seeded Mercer 52-49 on Sunday night in the Southern Conference semifinals.

The Paladins (11-21) received the Southern Conference's lowest seed with only five regular-season conference wins. But after three tournament victories, they advanced to the championship game Monday night against top-seeded Wofford.

Acox gave Furman the late momentum and a 46-44 lead on a putback dunk off a missed 3-pointer with 4:08 left. Twice more over the next 2:26, he put the Paladins back in the lead, the second time for good at 50-48.

Stephon Jelks made 1 of 2 free throws for Mercer (18-15) with 1:24 left, the Bears' final points. Gene Langan had a good look on a 3-pointer in the final seconds, but it rimmed out.

Ike Nwamu led the Bears with 15 points.