The ETSU Bucs women’s basketball team continued their hot start to the season with a 77-71 victory over Mercer improving their record to 13-4.

Mercer got off to a quick start going on a 4-0 run against the Bucs within the first minute of play. The Bucs would end up playing from behind for most of the first half before entering halftime with a 38-37 lead.

The Mercer Lady Bears bounced back in the third quarter, outscoring the Buccaneers 19-15 to put them ahead 56-53. The Bucs went on to slam the door on Mercer’s offense in the fourth quarter, outscoring Mercer 24-15 and picking up the 6-point victory.

The Bucs offense was led by senior Courtney Moore (Gainesville, Fla.), who shot 5-9 from the field and 2-3 from the 3-point line. Moore also went on to collect two rebounds and three steals for the Bucs. Junior Nevaeh Brown (Charlotte, N.C.) also paved the way for the Bucs offense on Saturday collecting 14 points, going 3-9 from the field, and 8-10 at the free throw line.

Mercer’s inability to take advantage of shots from the line hurt them. Going 5-11 from the line and 30-69 from the field. The Bucs capitalized on the mental mistakes made by the Bears going 19-23 from the line on 20 Mercer fouls.

Photo of Breanne Beatty during the basketball game against Mercer. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

The Bears lack inability to control the ball also cost them the game as the Bucs went on to swipe the ball nine times from the Bears and collect three blocks as well.

The Bucs look to extend their three-game win streak on Saturday, as they travel to take on the Chattanooga Mocs.

A win Saturday would end the Bucs three-game losing streak against the Mocs and put them ahead of them in the conference standings.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 20 inside McKenzie Arena.

For more information about ETSU women’s basketball, visit ETSUBucs.com.