Postgame audio - Coach Howie Levy:
Mercer's season came to an end with a one point loss to Manor in the first round of the Region XIX tournament.
Despite playing with a defensive enthusiasm that had not been evident the other three times I saw the Vikings in action, the Blue Jays' outside shooters were able to find enough space for timely baskets in the second half. Mercer's 4-5 lesser defensive possessions did them in.
The Vikings trailed by 10, 33-23 late in the first half, but a 9-0 run that spanned intermission got the home team back in it and Mercer took the lead by one with under nine minutes to go.
Todd Jones' open three point shot with :40 remaining that would have tied the score at 55 was off the mark and Stefan Thompson sealed the win for Manor with two free throws in the final 10 seconds.
A three point shot from the near corner at the buzzer provided the final margin.
The Vikings (13-15) finished their season with five straight losses.
