FORT MYERS, Fla. – Jeff Smith scored 13 points, including a pair of free throws with 3 seconds left, and Mercer rallied in the second half for a 50-47 victory over Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday.
Florida Gulf Coast (3-13, 0-7 Atlantic Sun), trying to break a losing streak that now sits at six games, led 28-14 after Christophe Varidel hit a 3-pointer with 3:16 left in the first half. But the Bears (5-13, 2-5) ended the half on an 8-1 run as Monty Brown and Jake Gollon each scored three points, cutting the Eagles' lead to 29-22 at the break. After the score was tied four more times, Mercer took the lead for good on Justin Cecil's 3-pointer with 22 seconds left.
Marlon Rivera had a chance to tie, but missed the latter of two free throws with 5 seconds left. The Eagles were forced to foul Smith, who made two free throws to seal the victory.
Varidel led Florida Gulf Coast with 15 points.
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