Preview: Furman Looks to Continue Momentum at Mercer in Key Southern Conference Clash

MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — A pivotal Southern Conference women’s basketball matchup is set for Thursday night as the Mercer Bears host the Furman Paladins at Hawkins Arena.

Both teams enter on winning notes, setting the stage for a competitive league battle. Mercer (12-6 overall) holds the better record and home-court advantage, while Furman (11-8) brings a two-game conference winning streak to Macon.

The Bears are led by standout Abigail Holtman, who is coming off a dominant 22-point performance in a 76-67 victory over Samford on Saturday. Holtman has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 15.2 points over her last five contests. Mercer’s offense also flows through Talia Kemp, who dished out seven assists in the win over Samford.

Furman counters with its own dynamic guard in Chantelle Stuart. Stuart fueled the Paladins’ 69-38 rout of Western Carolina last Saturday with 11 points and six assists. She was exceptional in a prior win over UNC Greensboro, pouring in 26 points. Her playmaking will be crucial against Mercer’s defense.

The Paladins have found their rhythm in conference play, winning three of their last four Southern Conference games. Their offense has been potent during this stretch, averaging over 70 points per game in those victories. Alyssa Ervin (17 points, 3 blocks vs. Western Carolina) provides a strong interior presence alongside Stuart and Raina McGowens.

Mercer has shown resilience, bouncing back from a road loss to UNC Greensboro on Jan. 10 with consecutive wins. The Bears’ defense, which forced 18 turnovers against Samford, will be tested by Furman’s balanced attack.

This contest is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 21 in Greenville, South Carolina. The outcome could prove significant for seeding in the upcoming Southern Conference tournament.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Thursday at Hawkins Arena.