The Mercer Bears (9-16, 4-9 SoCon) will be at the Freedom Hall Civic Center to clash with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (20-7, 10-4 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Mercer Bears vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Buccaneers defeated the Citadel Bulldogs 91-83, while the Bears beat the Western Carolina Catamounts 74-65.
The Bears forced 19 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.535 (above their season average of 0.520). East Tennessee State, on the other hand, out-rebounded Citadel. The Buccaneers had 12 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Bulldogs had four and 24, respectively. East Tennessee State was led by Isaiah Tisdale, who contributed 29 points. Meanwhile, Ross Cummings had a good game for Mercer, contributing 18 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Jeromy Rodriguez led the Buccaneers to a 72-68 win. He registered a double-double with 20 points and 18 rebounds. East Tennessee State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (61.4 vs. 20.7). Mercer, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.157).
The elite offense of East Tennessee State will square off against the porous defense of Mercer. The Buccaneers rank 35th in effective field goal percentage (0.550), while the Bears are 256th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.519). The Buccaneers figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Mercer Bears vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks eighth in rebounds per game (41.2) while Mercer ranks 212th (33.8).
- The Buccaneers average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 79th in the nation. The Bears rank 148th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Mercer averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 84th in the NCAA. East Tennessee State ranks 147th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- The Buccaneers rank 29th in assists per game (16.0) while the Bears rank 172nd (12.8).
- East Tennessee State averages 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 143rd in the country. Mercer ranks 283rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
- The Buccaneers have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, East Tennessee State has defeated opponents by an average of 11.1 points.
