Georgia hangs on to defeat Mercer 56-53

MACON, Ga. (AP) — Travis Leslie scored 20 points and nailed two free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining to seal Georgia’s 56-53 victory over Mercer on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs (9-3) led 54-53 with 21.2 seconds left to play, but a turnover by Sherrard Brantley on an inbounds play gave the ball back to Mercer with 18.6 seconds to go.

Brian Mills was unable to handle a pass directly under the basket and lost the ball out of bounds, turning it back over to Georgia.

Mills led the Bears (3-8) with 21 points and 12 rebounds, but his turnover with 3.9 seconds left forced Mercer to foul Leslie.

Leslie knocked down both free-throw attempts to extend the lead for Georgia, which has won six consecutive games.

Trey Thompkins added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who defeated Mercer for the 15th straight time.