Men's basketball
Men’s basketball (7-2) is riding a five game win streak and an undefeated record at home, a month into the season. Newcomers are shining bright on the court after the team experienced heavy turnover last season with only five players returning to the squad. The team fields a prolific offense, currently leads the SoCon in points per game and displays a consistent physical presence on the defensive. Their offensive efficiency, tied for first in three-point percentage, and their scrappy defense, second in the conference in steals per game, has helped them notch wins early this season.
In a game against Georgia State University on Dec. 2, Armani Mighty ‘27 recorded his fourth double-double of the season, with a season-high 22 points and 13 rebounds. Mighty transferred from Central Michigan University this year and has provided a physical presence for a Bears team that struggled to get boards last season.
The second standout player in the GSU win was guard Baraka Okojie ‘27, who scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. A transfer from the University of Memphis, Okojie is leading the team in points per game and assists. His performance as the primary ball handler has been instrumental in Mercer's recent successes. While his three-point prowess has room to grow, he excels at mid-range scoring and quick assists, leading the SoCon in assists per game and ranking third in points per game.
Brady Shoulders ‘28, one of few familiar names in Mercer basketball returning from last season, has also made strides as a regular starter. He’s averaging the most minutes per game on the team and provides a solid physical presence around the rim next to fellow big, 6’11" Mighty.
The team followed that performance Sunday afternoon against Oglethorpe University, a Division III opponent, winning 100-50 in Hawkins Arena. The Bears' starting five dumped in 52 points in about 20 minutes on the floor before ceding the rest of the game to bench players. Mercer's offense was sharp against the Petrels, shooting 49% from the field and out-rebounding the visiting team, 54-37.
The starting lineup for Oglethorpe featured a set of twin brothers, Mason and Jackson Kemp, who combined for 19 point, 10 rebounds and six assists. The Kemps shot 7-for-12 from the field, including a 57% clip from deep.
Bendji Pierre '26 came off the bench to score a team-leading 17 points, his first since Nov. 5, and added six rebounds in 18 minutes on the floor.
The Bears will face their first big test since they opened the season at No. 18 Tennessee when they travel to Clemson, S.C. to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Women's basketball
Women's basketball (5-5) has had a solid start to the season behind a tough opening schedule. The team's offense ranks top three in the SoCon in points per game and it leads the conference in three-point percentage. The Bears' offense runs through two-way standout Ariana Bennett '26, who is in her second season with the team and leads them in both points and blocks.
The supporting cast behind Bennett, a mix of old and new players, has put up solid numbers as well. Transfer Micah O'Dell '27 and Nahawa Diarra '26 round out the rest of the offensive production for the Bears. Diarra has improved since last season, producing career highs in points and rebounds per game while leading the team in minutes.
Diarra and O'Dell, as well as Abigail Holtman '27, provide a solid perimeter backcourt for the Bears, and their three-point shooting this season is essential for offensive production that is shooting 38% from the field this season.
Defensively, Talia Kemp '28 is leading the team in steals and is tied for third in the SoCon in the stat. While steals have been a strong point this season for the Bears, the team has struggled with finishing defensive plays, giving up second-chance points to opponents' offenses.
The team ranks second-to-last in the SoCon in defensive rebounds, despite ranking middle of the pack in total rebounds. Last year, the front court was largely covered by longtime Mercer player Ashlee Locke '25, but a lack of minutes by taller forwards other than Bennett has compounded the issue.
The Bears face Mississippi Valley State University at home on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Nevaeh Wilson '28 is majoring in Journalism and minoring in Film Studies. She has been writing for The Cluster since her freshman year, and has worked for Mercer's ESPN studio. She enjoys watching college and professional sporting events.
