The Mercer Bears (9-11, 3-4 SoCon) will be at Cameron Hall to take on the VMI Keydets (6-15, 1-7 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Mercer Bears at VMI Keydets Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Keydets fell to the Wofford Terriers, 66-54, while the Bears were victorious over the Western Carolina Catamounts, 85-79.
Mercer dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.300 (above their season average of 0.197) and a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 18.6). Western Carolina was 0.172 and 14.6, respectively, for those same stats. VMI, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.167 vs. 0.179). VMI’s Greg Parham led the way, recording 16 points and five rebounds. Mercer was led by Ethan Stair, who had 17 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Dimitrijevic led the Bears to a 73-62 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 26 points. One of Mercer’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 10-12 (83.3 percent), while the Keydets were just 3-7 (42.9 percent).
The Bears’ Djordje Dimitrijevic has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 25 points,2.0 steals per game. Meanwhile, Parham has averaged 10 points,4.8 assists during that same time frame for the Keydets.
VMI figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Keydets currently rank 85th in effective field goal percentage (0.522), while Mercer ranks 258th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.507).
Mercer vs. VMI Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Vmi, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- VMI ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while Mercer ranks 198th (20.6).
- The Keydets rank 90th in steals per game (7.1) while the Bears rank 162nd in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- Mercer ranks 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while VMI ranks 65th (3.0).
- The Keydets rank 14th in assists per game (16.6) while the Bears rank 146th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- Mercer ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while VMI ranks 128th (35.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
- The Keydets have been outscored by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. For the season, VMI has defeated opponents by an average of 3.1 points.
