The Mercer Bears (5-10, 0-3 SoCon) welcome the Western Carolina Catamounts (4-13, 1-3 SoCon) to Hawkins Arena. The Catamounts can end a seven-game road losing streak. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Mercer Bears Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last contest. The Bears were beaten by the UAB Blazers, 75-67, while the Catamounts lost big to the Wright State Raiders, 96-73.
Western Carolina had a better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 22.6) while Mercer had a better turnover percentage (20.5 vs. 20.6). Djordje Dimitrijevic played well for Mercer with 19 points. Western Carolina, meanwhile, received a boost from D.J. Myers, who contributed 11 points and six rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Bears won the last matchup 81-64. The Bears’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Catamounts. Mercer had a rate of 27.3, while Western Carolina posted a mark of 17.2. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The physical Mercer offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Bears rank 89th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.268, while Western Carolina ranks 324th in FTA rate allowed (0.289). Ball security could be troublesome for the Catamounts. They rank 353rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 26.5 percent), while the Bears force the 49th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.7 percent).
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Mercer Bears Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Mercer ranks 246th (27.3).
- The Bears average 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. The Catamounts rank 170th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
- Western Carolina ranks 45th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while Mercer ranks 111th (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 4.3 for the season.
