A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Western Carolina Catamounts (11-3, 3-0 SoCon) when they meet the Mercer Bears (6-10, 0-3 SoCon) at Ramsey Center. Action gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Mercer Bears vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Catamounts beat the VMI Keydets, 97-85, while the Bears were beaten by the Chattanooga Mocs, 70-61.
Western Carolina played a nearly perfect contest. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.344 (above their season average of 0.232) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.586 (above their season average of 0.563). VMI recorded marks of 0.224 and 0.447, respectively, for those same stats. Mercer, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.474). Western Carolina received a boost from Carlos Dotson, who recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Djordje Dimitrijevic had a good outing for Mercer, contributing 22 points.
The Bears dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last game, Mercer won 74-65. The Bears’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Catamounts. Mercer had a rate of 15.7, while Western Carolina posted a mark of 24.3. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Western Carolina figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Catamounts rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while Mercer ranks 239th in defensive efficiency.
Mercer Bears at Western Carolina Catamounts Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while Mercer ranks 196th (19.8).
- The Bears rank 89th in steals per game (7.2) while the Catamounts rank 97th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Catamounts rank 48th in rebounds per game (39.3) while the Bears rank 135th (36.2).
- Western Carolina ranks 54th in assists per game (15.1) while Mercer ranks 140th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (7.3 below their season average).
- The Catamounts’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.4, up from 9.6 for the season.
