Dixon scores 16 points and Kennesaw State hits late free throws to hold off Mercer 66-63

Kennesaw State hits late FTs; beats Mercer 66-63

KENNESAW, Ga. — Spencer Dixon scored 16 points and Kennesaw State hit its free throws down the stretch to hold off Mercer 66-63 on Thursday night.

Mercer kept the game close throughout the second half, cutting the lead to 64-63 with 8 seconds to play on a layup by James Florence, who finished with a game-high 19 points but had six turnovers.

But the Owls (12-12, 7-6 Atlantic Sun Conference), who made nine out of 10 free throws in the last 2 minutes, got two free throws from the Jon-Michael Nickerson to seal the victory.

Kennesaw State has won six in a row. It’s the longest winning streak since the 2005-06 season when the Owls won seven straight.

Daniel Emerson finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds — five offensive — for the Bears (11-12, 7-6), who held an 11-point lead in the first half until Kennesaw State went on a 24-9 run to take a 30-26 halftime lead.