JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — The Mercer women’s basketball team built a large early lead and held on to defeat Jackson State 78-68 on Wednesday afternoon at Lee Williams Athletic Center. The Bears used a 28-point first quarter to establish control and maintained a double-digit advantage for much of the game, improving their record to 3-2. Mikayla Brown recorded a double-double for Jackson State with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. The Lady Tigers, who were projected as heavy favorites, fell to 1-3 on the season. An announced crowd of 379 watched as Mercer secured the non-conference road win.