Charlotte wins 3rd straight, beats Mercer 64-63

MACON, Ga. (AP) — Javarris Barnett hit a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left to help Charlotte clinch a 64-63 win over Mercer on Thursday.

The 49ers (7-6) trailed 60-59 with 3:07 left to play before a layup from Derrio Green put Charlotte in front 61-60 with 2:50 to go.

Neither team would score over the next 2:26 until Barnett’s 3 extended the 49ers’ lead to 64-60.

Brian Mills converted a layup off of Mark Hall’s missed free-throw attempt with 17 seconds left, closing the Bears’ deficit to 64-63. Mills’ last-second 3-point attempt missed the mark to seal the win for Charlotte.

Mills finished with 14 points to lead Mercer, which has lost seven of its last eight contests.

Barnett led Charlotte with 18 points, Green added 12 and Phil Jones 10.

The 49ers have won three consecutive games dating back to their 49-48 defeat of No. 7 Tennessee on Dec. 17.