Citadel Bulldogs at Mercer Bears Free Prediction 02/09/19

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The Mercer Bears (8-15, 3-8 SoCon) welcome the Citadel Bulldogs (10-12, 2-9 SoCon) to Hawkins Arena. The Bulldogs can snap a five-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Citadel Bulldogs at Mercer Bears Betting Odds

Both teams fell in their last game. The Bears were beaten by the Furman Paladins, 74-63, while the Bulldogs were blown out by the Wofford Terriers, 99-61.

Citadel held Wofford to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 35.4) while Mercer had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 28.4). Mercer’s Ross Cummings played well, finishing with 16 points and five rebounds. Zane Najdawi, meanwhile fueled Citadel with 13 points and nine rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Lew Stallworth led the Bulldogs to a 79-69 win. He registered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Citadel had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.174). Mercer, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 vs. 32.4).

Citadel should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs rank 59th in offensive efficiency, while Mercer ranks 247th in defensive efficiency.

Citadel at Mercer Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Citadel averages 35.8 three pointers per game, which ranks second in the nation. Mercer ranks 275th in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
  • The Bears rank 84th in steals per game (6.8) while the Bulldogs rank 168th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
  • Citadel blocks 3.5 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 97th in the NCAA. Mercer ranks 150th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
  • The Bulldogs rank 35th in assists per game (16.0) while the Bears rank 176th (12.7).
  • Mercer ranks 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while Citadel ranks 281st (41.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
  • The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 14.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Citadel has defeated opponents by an average of 1.2 points.