The Furman Paladins (12-2, 1-1 SoCon) will try to lengthen their 12-game winning streak against the Mercer Bears (5-8, 0-1 SoCon) at Timmons Arena. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Mercer Bears vs. Furman Paladins ATS Prediction
In the Bears’ last game, they were beaten by the UAB Blazers, 75-67. UAB was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Blazers made 29 of their 35 free throws (82.9 percent), while the Bears were 19-25 (76.0 percent). Djordje Dimitrijevic was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Paladins dismantled the Bob Jones University Bruins in their last matchup, 102-48. The Paladins had a much better turnover percentage (3.7 vs. 29.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.4 vs. 17.2). Matt Rafferty was the game’s top scorer with 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field.
After the Paladins won both matchups against the Bears last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Furman won 85-73. Furman did a terrific job of making free throws (14-18; 77.8 percent). Mercer, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 10.3).
Rafferty has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Furman.
The sharp-shooting offense of Furman (39th in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.554) will face off against the mid-tier defense of Mercer (168th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.495). The Paladins figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Mercer Bears vs. Furman Paladins ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Furman averages 29.1 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. Mercer ranks 257th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
The Paladins rank 24th in assists per game (16.8) while the Bears rank 145th (13.2).
Furman averages 9.1 steals per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. Mercer ranks 113th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
The Paladins rank 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Bears rank 149th (2.5).
Furman ranks 86th in rebounds per game (37.7) while Mercer ranks 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 6.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 86.6 points per game (6.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
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