Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Mercer Bears Betting Prediction 01/22/20

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The Western Carolina Catamounts (12-5, 4-2 SoCon) will be at Hawkins Arena to clash with the Mercer Bears (8-11, 2-4 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Mercer Bears ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Bears defeated the Samford Bulldogs, 90-75, while the Catamounts got blown out by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 85-66.

The Bears had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.656 (above their season average of 0.501) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.9 (above their season average of 31.7). Western Carolina, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.420 (above their season average of 0.245). Mercer’s Djordje Dimitrijevic had a good game, recording 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. Western Carolina, meanwhile, was led by Xavier Cork, who had 16 points and nine rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Mason Faulkner led the Catamounts to a 79-71 win. He recorded 18 points and six rebounds. One of Western Carolina’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 35 trips to the line, while Mercer went 24 times.

Western Carolina figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Catamounts currently rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while Mercer ranks 242nd in defensive efficiency.

Western Carolina vs. Mercer Free Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • Western Carolina ranks 30th in three pointers attempted per game (27.2) while Mercer ranks 200th (20.5).
  • The Bears rank 40th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while the Catamounts rank 82nd (33.5).
  • Mercer averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Western Carolina ranks 114th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
  • The Bears rank 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Catamounts rank 112th (3.6).
  • Western Carolina ranks 66th in assists per game (14.6) while Mercer ranks 133rd in assists allowed per game (12.7).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Bears have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. For the season, Mercer has defeated opponents by an average of 0.1 points.
  • During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 81.4 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (7.0 above their season average).