CULLOWHEE, N.C. — In an exciting matchup on Sunday night, Cord Stansberry contributed significantly to Western Carolina’s triumph over Mercer, ending the game with 17 points and securing an 85-82 victory.

Stansberry displayed an impressive performance, making 5 of his 9 attempts from the field, including 3 of 5 from beyond the three-point arc, as well as converting 4 of 5 free throws. The Catamounts improved their overall record to 5 wins and 10 losses, with a 1-3 standing in the Southern Conference.

Chevalier Emery was another key player for Western Carolina, contributing 16 points while shooting 5 of 9, including a strong 4 of 8 from three-point territory. Brandon Morgan also played a pivotal role by scoring 13 points, though he struggled from deep, making just 4 of his 11 attempts, with none successful from three-point range, but managed to secure 5 out of 6 free throw shots.

On the opposing side, Mercer found their leading scorer in Alex Holt, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ahmad Robinson also made a strong impact, contributing 18 points along with 13 rebounds, while Tyler Johnson added another 14 points to the Bears’ efforts, bringing their record to 9 wins and 8 losses, along with a 2-2 conference standing.

It was a closely contested game, showcasing talented performances on both sides and highlighting the competitive nature of college basketball.