The Mercer Bears (18-11) look to end their five-game losing streak when they compete against the VMI Keydets (7-19) at Cameron Hall. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 and will air on ES3.
The Keydets were beaten by Samford 73-67 in their last game. QJ Peterson was the game’s high scorer, contributing 33 points. The Bears, meanwhile, are coming off a bitter 77-74 loss to East Tennessee State in their last outing. Jordan Strawberry had a good shooting night, leading the team with 22 points.
Peterson has been playing at a high level as of late for the Keydets, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.0 three-pointers over the last five games.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Bears won the first game 73-58. Jestin Lewis was a standout player in the game, producing 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two three-pointers.
Notes
In its last game, Mercer lost by a margin of three points. VMI is 1-2 in games decided by a margin of three points or less. Mercer has a 5-2 record in close games.
The VMI Keydets average 69.0 possessions per game and .963 points per possession, while the Mercer Bears earn fewer possessions (66.0) but more points per possession (1.100).
Mercer has an average effective field goal percentage of 50.9%. VMI is a subpar 1-14 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, VMI attempts 25.0 three pointers and Mercer attempts 17.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the VMI Keydets have a 7-16 record while the Mercer Bears have a solid 4-2 record.
Mercer ranks 99th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.19. VMI is ranked lower at 327th with an A/TO of .78.
VMI ranks 263rd in offensive rebounds, while Mercer ranks 41st in defensive rebounds.
On average, Mercer makes 5.2 steals per game. VMI is a poor 7-16 when it allows at least 5 steals.
