The Mercer Bears (6-12, 1-5 SoCon) will attempt to snap their 10-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Samford Bulldogs (12-7, 2-4 SoCon) at Pete Hanna Center. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Mercer Bears vs. Samford Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Bears’ last game, they were defeated by the Chattanooga Mocs, 73-70. Chattanooga’s 0.143 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Mercer, who had a rate of 0.119. The Mocs’ mark was below their season average of 0.180, while the Bears’ was below their season average of 0.267. Ross Cummings was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Bulldogs barely escaped the Citadel Bulldogs in their last matchup, 80-77. Samford had a much better free throw rate (0.203 vs. 0.054) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.2 (above their season average of 29.0). Brandon Austin was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field.
After the Bears won both contests against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Mercer won 74-69. Mercer out-rebounded Samford. The Bears had 13 offensive rebounds and 37 total rebounds, while the Bulldogs had seven and 29, respectively.
Samford figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs rank 84th in effective field goal percentage (0.538), while Mercer ranks 230th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.512).
Mercer vs. Samford Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Samford ranks 80th in rebounds per game (37.7) while Mercer ranks 226th (33.7).
The Bulldogs rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Bears rank 124th (3.8).
Mercer ranks 161st in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while Samford ranks 228th (19.5).
The Bears average 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 101st in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Samford ranks 125th in assists per game (13.7) while Mercer ranks 144th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Mercer has defeated opponents by an average of 3.4 points.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (8.6 above their season average).
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