The Memphis Tigers (3-2) will be at home in FedExForum when they challenge the Mercer Bears (5-3). Memphis is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 137.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Mercer Bears vs. Memphis Tigers Free Preview
In the Bears last game, they lost big to the Tennessee Volunteers, 84-60. With 20 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Jordan Strawberry was Mercer’s leading scorer. Tennessee forced the Bears into a turnover percentage of 26.2 (above their season average of 14.3). Mercer, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent).
The Tigers are trying to rebound after their 71-56 loss to the UAB Blazers in their last contest. Jeremiah Martin was Memphis high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting. UAB did a great job of converting from the free throw line (18-21; 85.7 percent). Memphis, meanwhile, held the Blazers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.434 (below their season average of 0.567).
Memphis could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Since the 2016-17 season, Memphis ranks 57th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent), while Mercer has forced the 73rd-fewest turnovers (17.5 percent). Additionally, the Bears, who rank 39th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 percent), will square off against the Tigers, who rank 271st in defensive rebounding percentage (69.0 percent).
Of Mercer’s 5 games with betting action, three have finished over the projected point total, while 2 of Memphis 4 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (5-3 for Mercer; 3-2 for Memphis), but the Bears have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Mercer is 2-3 ATS, while the Tigers are 1-3.
Mercer Bears at Memphis Tigers Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Tigers rank 62nd in assists per game (15.3) while the Bears rank 192nd in assists allowed per game (13.6).
- Mercer ranks 139th in three pointers attempted per game (21.8) while Memphis ranks 252nd (19.0).
- Memphis ranks 51st in blocks per game (4.5) while Mercer ranks 248th (2.4).
- The Bears rank 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while the Tigers rank 202nd (35.9).
- Memphis ranks 98th in steals per game (6.7) while Mercer ranks 273rd (4.7).
