It will be a battle between SoCon opponents when the UNCG Spartans (18-3, 7-1 SoCon) welcome the Mercer Bears (8-12, 3-5 SoCon) to Greensboro Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Mercer Bears vs. UNCG Spartans Free Prediction
In the Bears’ last outing, they blew out the VMI Keydets, 88-68. The Bears made 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 13.3 (better than their season average of 16.6). Mercer received a boost from Ethan Stair, who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and five steals.
The Spartans won big over the Citadel Bulldogs in their last contest, 83-60. The Spartans had a much better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.049), while the Bulldogs had a turnover percentage of 21.7 (above their season average of 13.4). With 12 points and 15 rebounds, UNCG’s James Dickey had a good game.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, the Bears won 77-74. Mercer did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-29; 82.8 percent). UNCG, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 10.0).
Ball security could play an integral role in this matchup. UNCG commits the 33rd-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while the gambling defense of Mercer forces the 54th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.1 percent).
Mercer vs. UNCG Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UNCG ranks 55th in three pointers allowed per game (20.1) while Mercer ranks 267th (27.8).
The Spartans rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Bears rank 154th (13.7).
UNCG averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 17th in the nation. Mercer ranks 92nd in steals allowed per game (6.1).
The Spartans rank 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Bears rank 113th (3.6).
UNCG ranks 192nd in rebounds per game (34.3) while Mercer ranks 225th (33.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 4.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
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