MACON -- Phillip Leonard scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and had eight assists to help Mercer beat The Citadel 74-51 on Saturday.<br />
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Ike Nwamu had a team-high 15 points for Mercer (9-9, 4-1 Southern Conference) and Darious Moten added 13. The Bears started 9-1 in conference play last season on their way to share the league's regular season title.<br />
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Both teams made at least 50 percent of their shots but Mercer hit 15 of 22 from the free-throw line compared to 1 of 3 for The Citadel. Mercer also forced 12 turnovers and only committed three.<br />
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Brian White led The Citadel (7-9, 2-3) with 10 points and six rebounds. The Bulldogs ended a 19-game road losing streak on Monday at UNC Greensboro.<br />
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Mercer's starters combined for 31 first-half points as the Bears held a 40-31 advantage.
