The Mercer Bears (12-11, 6-4 SoCon) travel to Timmons Arena to meet the Furman Paladins (18-5, 8-2 SoCon). The Bears will attempt to lengthen their six-game winning streak. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Mercer Bears at Furman Paladins Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Paladins edged the VMI Keydets 74-72, while the Bears defeated the Citadel Bulldogs 76-71.
Mercer dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 31.1) and a turnover percentage of 20.7 (worse than their season average of 18.7). For those same stats, Citadel was 22.2 and 24.1, respectively. Meanwhile, Furman’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over VMI. The Paladins had a rate of 0.279 (above their season average of 0.191), while the Keydets posted a mark of 0.180. Jordan Lyons had a solid performance for Furman, finishing with 26 points. Meanwhile, Mercer rallied around Kamar Robertson, who finished with 13 points and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Lyons led the Paladins to a 64-62 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 25 points. Furman had a much better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 18.7). Mercer, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.074 vs. 0.067).
The high-powered offense of Furman (31st in the country with an offensive efficiency of 110.8) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Mercer (222nd in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 101.2). The Paladins figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Ball security could be troublesome for the Bears. They rank 311th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.5 percent), while the Paladins force the 30th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.2 percent).
Mercer vs. Furman Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Furman ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while Mercer ranks 205th (20.2).
- The Bears rank 144th in rebounds per game (35.9) while the Paladins rank 260th (32.4).
- Mercer allows the 32nd-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while Furman ranks 55th (2.8).
- The Paladins average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 38th in the nation. The Bears rank 181st in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- Furman ranks 36th in assists per game (15.3) while Mercer ranks 154th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
- The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 11.4 for the season.
