The Mercer Bears (11-11, 5-4 SoCon) welcome the Citadel Bulldogs (6-14, 0-9 SoCon) to Hawkins Arena. The Bears have won five consecutive games, while the Bulldogs have lost their last nine games. Action starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. Mercer Bears ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Bears were victorious over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 71-55, while the Bulldogs got blown out by the Wofford Terriers, 79-56.
Mercer dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.310 (above their season average of 0.200) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.690 (above their season average of 0.514). For those same stats, East Tennessee State was 0.133 and 0.392, respectively. Citadel, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.214 vs. 0.103). Ethan Stair played a key role for Mercer with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Citadel, meanwhile, received a boost from Kaiden Rice, who put up 15 points and five rebounds.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last matchup, Citadel won 67-61. Citadel’s 0.283 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Mercer, who had a mark of 0.194. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The elite offense of Mercer will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Citadel. The Bears currently rank 91st in effective field goal percentage (0.520), while the Bulldogs are 253rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.508). The Bears should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. Mercer Bears ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Citadel, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Mercer ranks 45th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while Citadel ranks 256th (38.6).
- The Bears rank 104th in steals per game (6.8) while the Bulldogs rank 200th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
- Citadel ranks 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Mercer ranks 34th (2.6).
- The Bulldogs rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while the Bears rank 199th (20.2).
- Citadel ranks 32nd in assists per game (15.5) while Mercer ranks 147th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.8, up from 1.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 77.6 points per game (5.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
