Macon, GA—Sophilia Hipps scored a career-high and game-high 22 points but that was not enough as SC State fell to Mercer, 55-58, in its 2007-08 season opener.

            The Lady Bulldogs (0-1) got off to a rough start as they committed turnovers on their first three possessions. The Bears (1-0) jumped out to a 9-4 lead by the 15 minute mark of the first half but the Lady Bulldogs quickly put their offense to work, going on a 12-2 run over the next six minutes to jump ahead by five, 16-11. Mercer put together a run of their own, scoring the next six points to go ahead, 17-16. The teams would take turns with runs eventually going into the half tied at 26.

            The teams exchanged baskets for most of the second half with the Lady Bulldogs jumping ahead 46-43 at the nine minute mark. The Bears put together a 6-2 run to jump ahead by one, 49-48, at the 5 minute mark. The teams once again exchanged baskets with Mercer winning the late game surge coming out on top 58-55.

            The Lady Bulldogs had three players to score in double figures as Jenell Moore had 15; Brittany Baity had 10 and Hipps. Moore also had six rebounds to lead the Lady Bulldogs.

            Mercer was led by Sarah Russell with 15 points.

            The Lady Bulldogs will host Winthrop this coming Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 pm in its 2007-08 home-opener.

Game Notes: There were four ties and 13 lead changes in the game.