Josh Dando recorded 14 points for the Spartans as they snapped a nine-game losing streak with a nonsection home win over Mercer.

“It’s been frustrating this year for the guys,” Laurel coach Mike Tinstman said. “Even though we won, we didn’t have an outstanding night shooting.

“I was really pleased with the defensive effort. It’s nice to get a win because it’s been a while; they’ve been working hard. It’s positive reinforcement for them.”

The Spartans (2-15) pulled away in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Mustangs (4-11), 15-7.

“We really didn’t shoot that well from the perimeter,” Tinstman said. “They finally came out of the zone and they started pressing us and we were able to get some points in transition in the fourth quarter.”

Dando posted seven of his points in the fourth quarter and he pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

Todd Fennick supplied 11 points for Laurel. Richard Jones handed out a game-best seven assists for the Spartans.

Lucas Clarke registered nine points for Mercer.