VMI Keydets vs. Mercer Bears Free Prediction 01/15/20

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The VMI Keydets (5-13, 0-5 SoCon) travel to Hawkins Arena to go head-to-head with the Mercer Bears (6-11, 0-4 SoCon). The Keydets look to snap their six-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

VMI Keydets at Mercer Bears ATS Odds

Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Bears fell to the Western Carolina Catamounts, 79-71, while the Keydets were defeated by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 61-55.

VMI held East Tennessee State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.394 (below their season average of 0.543) while Mercer had a much better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 19.4). Djordje Dimitrijevic had a good game for Mercer, contributing 34 points. Greg Parham, meanwhile fueled VMI with 12 points.

This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Keydets won the most recent contest 84-71. One of VMI’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Bears were just 4-13 (30.8 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Mercer figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this contest. The Bears rank 91st in offensive rebounding percentage (31.5 percent), while VMI ranks 194th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.8 percent).

VMI at Mercer Odds Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Mercer, ATS Winner – Mercer, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • VMI ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (29.8) while Mercer ranks 214th (19.8).
  • The Keydets rank 15th in assists per game (16.8) while the Bears rank 140th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
  • VMI averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 84th in the nation. Mercer ranks 164th in steals allowed per game (7.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Bears have outscored opponents by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Mercer has lost by an average of 1.4 points.
  • During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 83.2 points per game (14.4 above their season average).