MACON, Ga. - The Charleston Southern Buccaneers defeated the Bears of Mercer University in dramatic fashion at a score of 71-68 . Buccaneer senior guard Katie Tull hit a three to give the Bucs the lead with 11 seconds remaining in the contest. The win improves Charleston Southern's record to 5-7 (0-0, BSC) and drops the Bears of Mercer to 1-8 (0-2, ASun).

The win gives CSU their first win away from the friendly confines of Buccaneer Field house this season. It also ties up the all-time series between the two schools at five wins apiece.

Tonight's game was closely contested throughout with six lead changes, and the score tied up six times as well.

Charleston Southern attempted more three-pointers than two-point field goals. The Bucs attempted a season high 37 shots from behind the arc hitting on 10.

Despite not shooting a great percentage from beyond the arc, the Bucs dominated the offensive glass with 20 offensive rebounds alone. The Bucs atypically outrebounded their opponents over all 45-34.

CSU sophomore guard Helen Terry came up huge in the final minute for CSU. Terry stepped to the line with a minute remaining and hit a pair of clutch free-throws to tie the score up. Mercer had the ball in the final minute with the score tied at 68 apiece. However, Charleston Southern guard Terry again came up huge by forcing a turnover that gave CSU an opportunity for the go-ahead field goal.

Katie Tull has hit 46 threes so far this season but none have been bigger than the three she sank late in tonight's game with 11 seconds remaining to give the Bucs the three point lead. It was one of her five makes on the night from behind the arc.

Mercer called a time out after to set up a play for once last chance to send it to overtime. They went for the tie by attempting two shots from deep that both went begging.

Leading the Buccaneers in scoring was Katie Tull who had 17 points on the night. She was one of four Buccaneers in double figures. Both Kelsey Wasmer and Lakeitha Alston added twelve points. Freshman Anicia Dotson also added a career high ten points and eight rebounds in her first start.

Leading all scorers was Kendra Grant for the Mercer Bears. She had 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting.

The Bucs next game will be a New Years Eve contest with cross-town rival College of Charleston. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. December 31, 2010.