Furman Paladins at Mercer Bears Free Prediction 02/02/19

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, College Basketball

The Furman Paladins (17-5, 6-4 SoCon) will be at Hawkins Arena to meet the Mercer Bears (8-14, 3-7 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

Furman Paladins at Mercer Bears Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Bears were beaten by the Wofford Terriers, 76-67, while the Paladins were victorious over the Citadel Bulldogs, 71-61.

The Paladins held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.452 (below their season average of 0.548). The Bulldogs also had a turnover percentage of 24.1 (above their season average of 13.9). Mercer, on the other hand, held Wofford to an effective field goal percentage of 0.509 (below their season average of 0.571). Fardaws Aimaq played well for Mercer, recording seven points and 13 rebounds. Furman was lifted by Jordan Lyons, who recorded 20 points.

In their first matchup this year, Matt Rafferty led the Paladins to a 71-58 win. He registered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Furman had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.556 vs. 0.397). Mercer, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.2 vs. 19.6).

A focal point for the Mercer offense is getting to the free throw line. The Bears rank 35th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283), but Furman is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking fifth by yielding a FTA rate of 0.154).

Furman vs. Mercer Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • Furman ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Mercer ranks 263rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
  • The Paladins average 9.1 steals per game, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. The Bears rank 109th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
  • Furman averages 3.8 blocks per game, which is ranked 73rd in the country. Mercer ranks 139th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
  • The Paladins rank 25th in assists per game (16.5) while the Bears rank 173rd (12.8).
  • Furman ranks 105th in rebounds per game (36.8) while Mercer ranks 251st (33.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
  • The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 11.5 for the season.