GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Alex Williams scored 16 points and Mercer used a strong third quarter to pull away from Furman en route to a 68-47 victory in Southern Conference women's basketball action Saturday afternoon at Timmons Arena.

The win improved Mercer to a 22-5 on the season and 11-2 in Southern Conference play, and helped the Bears remain in first place in the league.

Furman falls to 14-14 overall and 7-5 in SoCon action.

Leading 26-23 at intermission, Mercer used a 9-0 start to the third period to take control, finishing the spurt with a pair of Williams baskets for a 35-23 lead.

A Tierra Hodges three-point play with 5:49 remaining ended the drought for Furman, but the Bears continued their onslaught, finishing off the period with a 16-5 burst, highlighted by three consecutive 3-pointers from Linnea Rosendal and a WIlliams jumper with 10 seconds to go for 51-31 lead.

Keke Calloway followed Williams with 15 points, and Ciarra Edwards had 13.  Amanda Thompson topped all rebounders with 13 caroms, helping Mercer to 45-35 advantage on the glass.

Allison Beasley paced Furman with eight points.

The Paladins play at Chattanooga next Thursday.