Charleston, SC -- (Sports Network) - Shaddean Aaron scored 20 points to lead the Mercer Bears to a 76-73 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the consolation game of the Cougar Classic.

James Florence added 14 points for Mercer (5-7), which got 12 points from Brian Pfohl.

Jason Johnson posted 16 points and 11 rebounds in defeat for South Carolina State (4-10).

South Carolina State closed out the first half with a 13-3 run that enabled the club to hold a 37-33 lead at intermission.

Brian Mills hit a pair of free throws with 2.2 seconds remaining to give Mercer its 76-73 lead. Johnson's desperation shot from long range would have forced overtime, but the attempt was well off the mark.

Mercer has won all three of its series meetings with South Carolina State.