Mercer Bears vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Free Prediction 02/14/19

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The Mercer Bears (8-16, 3-9 SoCon) will be at the Ramsey Center to clash with the Western Carolina Catamounts (6-20, 3-10 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Mercer Bears vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Catamounts were blown out by the Wofford Terriers, 83-56, while the Bears fell to the Citadel Bulldogs, 67-61.

Mercer had a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 16.7) while Western Carolina did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (10-12; 83.3 percent). Western Carolina rallied around Carlos Dotson, who finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Ethan Stair had a good game for Mercer, putting up 19 points and seven rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Ross Cummings led the Bears to an 84-80 victory. He scored a game-high 36 points. The Bears’ 11.2 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Catamounts, who had a rate of 20.7.

When considering effective field goal percentage, Western Carolina should have a significant edge. The sharp-shooting Catamounts offense ranks 73rd in the NCAA in that metric at 0.538, while the Mercer defense is ranked 257th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.519). Moreover, the Bears rank 58th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.272), while the Catamounts rank 289th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.267).

Mercer Bears vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Odds Pick

Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Western Carolina ranks 93rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while Mercer ranks 282nd in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
  • The Bears rank 84th in steals per game (6.9) while the Catamounts rank 236th (4.4).
  • Western Carolina ranks 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Mercer ranks 178th (35.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
  • The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.0, up from 9.3 for the season.