The Furman Paladins (12-2, 1-1 SoCon) and the Mercer Bears (5-8, 0-1 SoCon) face off at Timmons Arena. The Paladins will attempt to continue their 12-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Mercer Bears at Furman Paladins Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Paladins won big over the Bob Jones University Bruins, 102-48, while the Bears lost to the UAB Blazers, 75-67.
Furman dominated every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 3.7 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4. Bob Jones University put up marks of 29.2 and 17.2, respectively, for those same stats. Mercer, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (20.5 vs. 20.6). Furman was lifted by Matt Rafferty, who finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Djordje Dimitrijevic had a solid performance for Mercer, contributing 19 points.
The Paladins dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent game, Furman won 85-73. Furman did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (14-18; 77.8 percent). Mercer, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 10.3). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Rafferty has really been playing well as of late for Furman, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Furman figures to have a significant advantage. The sweet-shooting Paladins offense ranks 39th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.554, while the Mercer defense is ranked 168th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.495).
Mercer Bears at Furman Paladins ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Furman averages 29.1 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Mercer ranks 257th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
- The Paladins rank 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Bears rank 149th (2.5).
- Furman averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 86th in the country. Mercer ranks 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
- The Paladins rank 24th in assists per game (16.8) while the Bears rank 145th (13.2).
- Furman ranks 14th in steals per game (9.1) while Mercer ranks 113th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 86.6 points per game (6.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 6.3 for the season.
