UNCG Spartans vs. Mercer Bears ATS Prediction 03/02/19

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The Mercer Bears (11-18, 6-11 SoCon) welcome the UNCG Spartans (25-5, 14-3 SoCon) to Hawkins Arena as the regular season comes to a close. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

UNCG Spartans vs. Mercer Bears Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Bears were beaten by the VMI Keydets, 84-71, while the Spartans beat the Citadel Bulldogs, 100-96.

The Spartans, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8, had a fantastic mark of 43.3, while the Bulldogs had a free throw rate of 0.123 (below their season average of 0.201). Mercer, on the other hand, held VMI to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.7 (below the 31.6 mark opponents have averaged against Mercer this season). Mercer’s Jaylen Stowe had a good game, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds. UNCG, meanwhile, rallied around Isaiah Miller, who contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

In their first matchup this season, Miller led the Spartans to an 88-81 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 22 points. UNCG had a much better turnover percentage (13.7 vs. 27.1). Mercer, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (29-33; 87.9 percent).

This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Mercer. Mercer ranks 171st in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.7 percent), while the gambling defense of UNCG forces the seventh-most turnovers in the nation (24.4 percent).

UNCG vs. Mercer ATS Pick

College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UNCG ranks 89th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3) while Mercer ranks 272nd (26.7).
  • The Spartans rank 62nd in blocks per game (3.9) while the Bears rank 156th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
  • The Spartans rank 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Bears rank 150th (13.3).
  • UNCG averages 8.8 steals per game, which ranks 14th in the country. Mercer ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (7.6 above their season average).
  • The Bears have been outscored by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Mercer has defeated opponents by an average of 1.4 points.