It will be a battle between SoCon opponents when the Mercer Bears (8-14, 3-7 SoCon) welcome the Furman Paladins (17-5, 6-4 SoCon) to Hawkins Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Furman Paladins at Mercer Bears ATS Prediction
In the Paladins’ last contest, they topped the Citadel Bulldogs, 71-61. Furman’s 0.573 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Citadel, who had a mark of 0.452. The Paladins’ mark was above their season average of 0.552, while the Bulldogs’ was below their season average of 0.548. With 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Jordan Lyons was the top scorer from either team.
The Bears fell to the Wofford Terriers in their last outing, 76-67. Wofford’s 10.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Mercer, who had a rate of 17.4. The Terriers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.7. With seven points and 13 rebounds, Fardaws Aimaq had a solid performance for Mercer.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Matt Rafferty scored a game-high 19 points in the first game, in which the Paladins defeated the Bears 71-58. He also had 10 rebounds. Furman had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.556 vs. 0.397). Mercer, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.2 vs. 19.6).
A focal point for the Mercer offense is getting to the free throw line. The Bears rank 35th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283), but Furman is among the best in the country at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking fifth by yielding a FTA rate of 0.154).
Furman Paladins vs. Mercer Bears Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Furman averages 29.5 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Mercer ranks 263rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
The Paladins rank 25th in assists per game (16.5) while the Bears rank 173rd (12.8).
Furman ranks 105th in rebounds per game (36.8) while Mercer ranks 251st (33.5).
The Paladins rank 11th in steals per game (9.1) while the Bears rank 109th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Furman ranks 73rd in blocks per game (3.8) while Mercer ranks 139th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 11.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
*****
