The Mercer Bears men’s basketball team competes in the Southern Conference. Mercer has competed in the NCAA tournament three times, including 1981 and 1985; the team lost in the first round in both years. The Bears won the 2012 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, defeating Utah State in the championship game; the victory was the first postseason championship won by a team from the Atlantic Sun Conference. Mercer has competed in the NCAA tournament three times, including 1981 and 1985; the team lost in the first round in both years. The Bears won the 2012 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, defeating Utah State in the championship game; the victory was the first postseason championship won by a team from the Atlantic Sun Conference. Mercer’s biggest win occurred at the 2014 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, where they beat third-seed Duke in the second round. The Bears have appeared in one NCAA Division II tournament in 1972.