Faulkner scores 18 to lift W. Carolina over Mercer 79-71

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CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Mason Faulkner scored 18 points, making 6 of 8 free throws in the final 34 seconds, and Western Carolina ran its winning streak to five with a 79-71 win over Mercer on Saturday.

Matt Halvorsen added 16 points for the Catamounts (12-3, 4-0 Southern Conference), including a big 3-pointer with 1:02 to play that made it a 73-65 game. Carlos Dotson added 12 points, making a layup and a jumper after the Bears had cut the lead to four with less than four minutes to play.

Djordje Dimitrijevic scored a career-high 34 points for the Bears (6-11, 0-4), making 10 of 19 field goals and 12 of 14 free throws. Maciej Bender added 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Ethan Stair was held to six points, 11 below his average.