The Mercer Bears (4-6) and the Florida Gators (5-4), who both like to play patient, will square off at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, and will air on SEC Network.
Mercer Bears vs. Florida Gators Betting Prediction
The last time the Bears played, they were topped by the UAB Blazers, 75-67. UAB made good use of their 35 trips to the charity stripe, converting on 29 of them (82.9 percent). Mercer, meanwhile, was 19-25 (76.0 percent). Djordje Dimitrijevic was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Gators got blown out by the No. 17 Florida State Seminoles in their last outing, 81-60. Getting to the free throw line was one of Florida State’s biggest advantages. They made 34 trips to the line, while Florida went 21 times. With 11 points, Florida’s Jalen Hudson had a good game.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Florida ranks 324th in possessions per game (68.0) and Mercer is 305th (67.3) dating back to the 2017-18 season.
Mercer at Florida Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Florida, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Florida ranks 10th in steals per game (7.4) while Mercer ranks 142nd (5.8).
The Gators rank 37th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Bears rank 164th (14.2).
Mercer ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.5) while Florida ranks 139th (37.0).
The Gators rank 116th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while the Bears rank 234th in three pointers allowed per game (26.4).
Florida ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while Mercer ranks 123rd (3.6).
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