The JU women’s basketball team dropped its second straight, falling at Mercer 63-46 at the University Center on Saturday afternoon.

Courtney Ford led the Bears (13-14, 10-8 A-Sun) just missing out on a double-double, scoring 21 points and nine rebounds as three Bears scored in double figures. Ford hit 8-of-16 from the floor for his second big outing against JU this season.

The Dolphins (8-18, 7-11 A-Sun) struggled shooting, hitting 33.3 percent from the floor with only one 3-pointer in the game.

“We gave up to many second chances and drives to the basket to win against a team like Mercer,” said JU head coach Jill Dunn.

JU got a team-high nine points from Drameka Griggs as JU posted its lowest offensive output in conference play this season.

After a Crystal Grable basket cut the JU deficit to 44-38 with 11:14 left in the game, the Bears took control – going on a 13-1 run, with Ford scoring eight points during the stretch to give Mercer a 57-39 lead with 5:39 left in the game.

The Dolphins was never able to get back into the game, only cutting the deficit to 14, with just three points in the final four minutes of the game.

Mercer got 14 points and nine rebounds from Lacy Ramon, with LaToya Jackson finishing with 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers.

After falling behind by as many as 10 in the first half, JU took a 29-28 lead on a jumper by Ashanti Williams with 49 seconds left. Mercer answered with two straight baskets – with Ford capping the half with a steal and layup at the buzzer to give the Bears a 32-29 lead at the half.

JU got nine rebounds and eight points from Desarae Johnson, with Gigi Thomas and Grable each adding eight as well.

The Dolphins open a two-game homestand on Thursday as they host Campbell on MPS Night, with free admission at the Arena. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.