The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (14-4, 4-1 SoCon) and the Mercer Bears (6-10, 1-3 SoCon) square off at Hawkins Arena. The Buccaneers will try to lengthen their six-game winning streak. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Mercer Bears ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bears were victorious over the Western Carolina Catamounts 84-80, while the Buccaneers dismantled the Citadel Bulldogs 98-73.
The Buccaneers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.5, had a fantastic mark of 40.6 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.662 (above their season average of 0.551). Meanwhile, Mercer’s 11.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Western Carolina, who had a mark of 20.7. The Bears’ mark was better than their season average of 17.5. Ross Cummings played a pivotal role for Mercer with 36 points. Jeromy Rodriguez, meanwhile had a good game for East Tennessee State, putting up 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Buccaneers dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent game, East Tennessee State won 84-75. East Tennessee State did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (23-28; 82.1 percent). Mercer, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.4 vs. 21.7). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Mercer might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. East Tennessee State ranks 18th in defensive efficiency, while the Bears rank 163rd in offensive efficiency. Ball security could be troublesome for the Buccaneers. They rank 305th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.5 percent), while the Bears force the 48th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.8 percent).
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Mercer Bears Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks eighth in rebounds per game (42.9) while Mercer ranks 197th (34.3).
- The Bears average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 63rd in the NCAA. The Buccaneers rank 135th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- East Tennessee State ranks 74th in blocks per game (3.8) while Mercer ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Buccaneers rank 38th in assists per game (16.3) while the Bears rank 184th (12.4).
- East Tennessee State ranks 119th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while Mercer ranks 247th in three pointers allowed per game (27.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Mercer has defeated opponents by an average of 4.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 88.6 points per game (7.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
