Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Betting Prediction 02/28/19

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The Mercer Bears (11-17, 6-10 SoCon) will be at Cameron Hall to square off with the VMI Keydets (8-20, 2-14 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.

Mercer Bears at VMI Keydets Betting Odds

Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Keydets defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts 83-78, while the Bears beat the Chattanooga Mocs 74-69.

The Bears, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.0, had a fantastic mark of 41.2, while the Mocs had a free throw rate of 0.127 (below their season average of 0.172). The Keydets, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 15.7), while the Catamounts had a free throw rate of 0.179 (below their season average of 0.245). Bubba Parham played a pivotal role for VMI with 38 points. Mercer, meanwhile, rallied around Ross Cummings, who had 37 points.

In their first matchup this year, Ethan Stair led the Bears to an 88-68 victory. He recorded 18 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Mercer’s 0.246 free throw rate was their largest strength over VMI, who had a mark of 0.172.

It will be a battle of contrasting tempos as the up-and-down Keydets will look to push the slower-paced Bears. The Keydets rank 37th in possessions per game while the Bears are 206th.

Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • VMI averages 27.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 18th in the country. Mercer ranks 276th in three pointers allowed per game (26.8).
  • The Keydets rank 82nd in steals per game (6.9) while the Bears rank 115th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
  • The Bears rank 164th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while the Keydets rank 275th (39.0).
  • Mercer ranks 146th in assists allowed per game (13.3) while VMI ranks 243rd (15.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Keydets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.2, up from 6.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).