<p>Jacob Skogen scored 24 points and hot-shooting Mercer held off a late rally to beat North Florida 77-71 on Wednesday.</p><p>The Bears (3-7 overall, 2-2 Atlantic Sun Conference) used an 11-2 run at the end of the first half to take a 40-31 halftime lead, with Skogen contributing four points.</p><p>Mercer pulled away by 15 early in the second half, but North Florida (3-8, 0-4) closed within 73-69 with 1:15 to play, with the help of Mercer's 10 second-half turnovers.</p><p>Skogen and Montavious Waters then sealed the win for Mercer with two free throws apiece.</p><p>The Bears shot 30-for-56 from the field, or 53 percent.</p><p>Aaron Carruthers led North Florida with 17 points.</p>
