The Citadel Bulldogs (10-12, 2-9 SoCon) look to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Mercer Bears (8-15, 3-8 SoCon) at Hawkins Arena. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Citadel Bulldogs at Mercer Bears Free Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last game, they were dismantled by the Wofford Terriers, 99-61. Wofford’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Citadel. The Terriers had a rate of 12.3 (better than their season average of 13.5), while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 20.1 (above their season average of 14.4). Zane Najdawi had a solid performance for Citadel, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Bears fell to the Furman Paladins in their last matchup, 74-63. Furman made 12 of their 24 three pointers (50.0 percent), while Mercer was 5-24 (20.8 percent). Ross Cummings had a good performance for Mercer, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
Citadel figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs rank 59th in offensive efficiency, while Mercer ranks 247th in defensive efficiency.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Bears lost 79-69. Stair put up 11 points and 14 rebounds. Citadel’s 0.246 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Mercer, who had a mark of 0.174.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. Mercer Bears Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Citadel, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Citadel averages 35.8 three pointers per game, which ranks second in the country. Mercer ranks 275th in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
The Bulldogs rank 35th in assists per game (16.0) while the Bears rank 176th (12.7).
Mercer ranks 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while Citadel ranks 281st (41.3).
The Bears rank 84th in steals per game (6.8) while the Bulldogs rank 168th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
Citadel ranks 97th in blocks per game (3.5) while Mercer ranks 150th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 14.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Citadel has defeated opponents by an average of 1.2 points.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
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