The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (18-3, 7-1 SoCon) and the Mercer Bears (10-11, 4-4 SoCon) battle at Freedom Hall Civic Center. The Buccaneers are a 15-point favorite and will try to lengthen their five-game winning streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 138 points and action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Mercer Bears vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Buccaneers were victorious over the Chattanooga Mocs 75-64, while the Bears barely escaped the VMI Keydets 69-66.
The Bears were 8-11 from the foul line (72.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.512). The Buccaneers, meanwhile, had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 15.7) and held the Mocs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.8 (below their season average of 28.6). Bo Hodges had a solid outing for East Tennessee State with 27 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Mercer received a boost from Djordje Dimitrijevic, who had 25 points and six rebounds.
The Buccaneers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last matchup, East Tennessee State won 88-69. The Buccaneers’ 10.8 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bears, who had a mark of 20.0. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
East Tennessee State should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Buccaneers rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while Mercer ranks 247th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Bears rank 287th in turnover percentage (21.0 percent), while the Buccaneers rank 28th in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.8 percent).
Mercer Bears at East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks 16th in steals per game (9.1) while Mercer ranks 162nd in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- The Buccaneers are 31st in the country with 31.7 rebounds allowed per game while the Bears are 54th with 32.5 rebounds allowed per game.
- Mercer ranks 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while East Tennessee State ranks 53rd (2.8).
- The Buccaneers rank 27th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while the Bears rank 147th (13.0).
- East Tennessee State ranks 108th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Mercer ranks 177th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 0.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
