MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined more by missed shots and forced turnovers than offensive artistry, the Furman Paladins grinded out a 60-49 victory over the Mercer Bears in a Southern Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Hawkins Arena.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 407, was a testament to resilience, particularly for a Furman team that weathered a significant second-quarter scoring drought and a determined third-quarter push from the home team. The Paladins improved to 12-8 overall, while Mercer fell to 12-7.

The most critical phase of the contest arrived in the second quarter. After building a 17-14 lead through an opening period characterized by physical play and frequent substitutions, Furman’s offense went ice cold. The Paladins managed just seven points in the entire second quarter, shooting a dismal 3 of 15 from the field. Yet, their defense ensured that Mercer’s offensive woes were even more profound.

The Bears, unable to capitalize on Furman’s scoring lapse, were held to a mere four points in the quarter. They shot 1 of 14 from the floor and committed five turnovers during the period. This defensive stand by Furman, turning a narrow three-point lead into a 24-18 halftime advantage despite their own struggles, proved to be the foundation of the victory. The six-point cushion, built on such inefficiency, felt far larger in the context of the game’s gritty pace.

Furman’s Alyssa Ervin, a 5-foot-11 guard from Galax, Virginia, provided the essential offensive counterpunch. She shouldered the scoring load with a game-high 20 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the third quarter that helped stem a Mercer rally. She added four steals in 37 minutes of action. Chantelle Stuart of Scarborough, Canada, supported with 14 points for the Paladins.

Mercer, which entered the game with a 63.9 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, was led by Stephanie Utomi’s 14 points off the bench. Abigail Holtman added 12 points for the Bears, but the team’s shooting was its ultimate undoing.

Both teams endured a difficult night from the field. Furman finished 21 of 62 for 33.9 percent, while Mercer was only slightly worse at 28.3 percent on 17-of-60 shooting. The perimeter was particularly unforgiving, with the teams combining to go 6 of 34 from 3-point range. Furman’s advantage was built on volume and second chances, attempting two more field goals and securing 17 offensive rebounds to Mercer’s 11.

The Bears mounted their most serious challenge in the third quarter, outscoring Furman 19-18 behind seven points from Talia Kemp of Orlando, Florida, to close the gap to 42-37 heading into the final period. However, Furman opened the fourth with a quick 7-3 spurt, capped by a Sophia Pearl 3-pointer, to re-establish a nine-point lead. Mercer could never draw closer than seven points the rest of the way, as Furman controlled the tempo and secured the win at the free-throw line.

Clare Coyle anchored Furman’s interior effort with eight points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots in 39 minutes. Both teams finished with 12 assists and 12 steals, but Mercer’s 19 turnovers, compared to Furman’s 15, provided the Paladins with just enough extra opportunities in a game where points were at a premium.

Furman next travels to face Samford on Saturday. Mercer will look to rebound at home against Wofford, also on Saturday.