The VMI Keydets (7-12, 1-6 SoCon) will try to snap their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Mercer Bears (7-12, 2-5 SoCon) at Hawkins Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
VMI Keydets vs. Mercer Bears ATS Prediction
In the Keydets’ last matchup, they beat the Western Carolina Catamounts, 91-83. VMI’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Western Carolina. The Keydets had a rate of 8.1 (better than their season average of 16.1), while the Catamounts posted a mark of 23.2 (above the 15.3 mark opponents have averaged against VMI this season). With 33 points on 11-for-21 shooting, Bubba Parham was the top scorer from either team.
The Bears defeated the Samford Bulldogs in their last outing, 93-87. The Bears knocked down 27 of their 35 free throws (77.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.647 (above their season average of 0.523). Ross Cummings was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 8-for-17 shooting from the field.
The physical Mercer offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this battle. The Bears currently rank 72nd in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.272, while VMI is among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 215th-ranked FTA rate of 0.241).
After the Bears won both meetings against the Keydets last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Mercer won 82-58. The Bears made 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.9 vs. 17.5).
VMI Keydets vs. Mercer Bears Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Mercer ranks 71st in steals per game (7.1) while VMI ranks 123rd in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Keydets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 3.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.0 points per game (7.2 above their season average).
*****
