Mercer shuts down 3rd seed Duke in NCAA

14th seed Mercer Bears pulled off a shock result in the opener of the 2014 NCAA Tournament Bracket by downing number 3 seed Duke 78-71. The result sent shockwaves through a tournament that is known for its wild results as March Madness once again arrived in the Bracket.

Mercer defied the numbers, experts, and form book to take out Duke in the Blue Devils´ own backyard. The visitors built success on a strong offense that rattled a Duke defense that has been considered suspect all season. The Blue Devils were on fire from downtown throughout the contest and struck 17 from downtown. However, a familiar story presented itself as the hosts failed to get consistent from two point range, and it was in the paint that Mercer won the game.

The Bears come from the Atlantic South Conference, the same division as last season´s surprise package Florida Gulf Coast (earning the Dunk City moniker along the way). Many have been predicting Mercer´s ascension, but it is still a shock to see them knock out the third seed Duke. The Bears won the ASC this season after finishing second last year and will now be a danger to other schools in the Tournament Bracket.

Next up for the 8,500 Mercer is 11th seeded Tennessee, a school the Bears defeated on the road in their last meeting. The Bears have seven seniors on their roster and started with five of them on the court, while coach Bob Hoffman is well respected after winning consecutive Coach of the Year awards in the Atlantic South. It was the experience on the floor and bench that made life difficult for a Duke team that looks likely to lose key player Jabari Parker to the NBA.