JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — East Tennessee State overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Mercer 77-71 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at ETSU Athletic Center.

The Buccaneers, trailing 35-32 at the break, outscored the Bears 45-36 in the second half. Free throws were decisive, as East Tennessee State made 23 of 27 attempts while Mercer converted 12 of 17.

Brian Taylor led East Tennessee State with 21 points and eight rebounds. Brady Shoulders scored 21 points for Mercer. Attendance was 3,122. East Tennessee State improved to 10-5. Mercer fell to 8-7.