Titans Win Thriller Over Southwestern in Region Tournament Opener

Mercer County junior Will Hager, right, called a play Saturday night in the Titans’ win over Southwestern.

It came down to the final seconds of the game before a winner was decided in the 12th Region Tournament opening round game, as the Mercer County Titans defeated the Southwestern Warriors 69-65 Saturday night.

Mercer County junior Will Hager led the Titans throughout the game, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“Coming into region it is either win or go home, which was motivation enough. I just wanted to come out and play hard and do what I could for the team to get a win,” said Hager.

The Titans led 13-12 after one quarter, but they lost the lead on Southwestern’s first possession of the second quarter, just 18 seconds in. Mercer County trailed the remainder of the second quarter and went into the half behind 35-30.