Mercer Bears vs Stetson Hatters Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Mercer vs Stetson NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in DeLand.

Mercer vs Stetson Prediction

Betting on today's Bears and Hatters game? Catch the action at Edmunds Center in DeLand, FL, as the Hatters hosts this showdown at 3:00 ET on ESPN+. Mercer comes into this non-conference matchup as the -3.5 point favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 154.5 points.

Mercer vs. Stetson Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Mercer Bears at Stetson Hatters
Where: DeLand at Edmunds Center
Date: Sunday, December 8th
Betting Odds MERC -3.5, MERC -171 | STETSN +138 O/U 154.5

Bears Preview: Can the Bears Pull Off a Road Win?

Mercer Bears Recent Game/Games

Mercer improved to 2-4 on the season with an 86-72 win over West Georgia on Wednesday. The Bears were -11 favorites at home and covered the spread, while the total points of 158 exceeded the O/U line of 144.5.

Mercer led 40-29 at halftime and scored 46 points in the 2nd half, though they allowed 43 points after the break.

Bears Offense Breakdown

Mercer's offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 86 points on 52.5% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 60.7%, thanks in large part to their 73.3% shooting on two-point attempts (22/30).

Tyler Johnson led the way with 24 points, hitting 5 of 11 from beyond the arc, while Shelton Williams-Dryden added 23 points and 11 rebounds. The Bears also got 20 assists and 13 offensive rebounds in the win.

Bears Team Defense

Mercer struggled defensively, giving up 72 points on 52% shooting from the field. Their interior defense was particularly vulnerable, allowing 73% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 22 of 30 shots.

From beyond the arc, Mercer’s defense allowed 10 threes on 31 attempts, a 32% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 12 shots. Mercer gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Hatters Preview: Will the Hatters Come Through as Home Underdogs?

Stetson Hatters Recent Game/Games

Stetson fell to 0-7 on the season after a 74-72 road loss to South Florida on Tuesday. Despite being +14.5 point underdogs, the Hatters kept it close, covering the spread.

Stetson trailed 35-29 at halftime but outscored the Bulls 43-39 in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 146 fell short of the 153.5 O/U line.

Hatters Offense Breakdown

In their last game, the Stetson Hatters put up 72 points, shooting 47.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.5%. They hit 37.5% of their threes, going 6-for-16, and were solid at the free-throw line, making 8-of-10 attempts for 80%.

Jayden Reid led the way with 23 points and 8 assists, hitting 4-of-5 from deep and shooting 72.7% overall. Mehki Ellison matched Reid's shooting percentage, also going 8-for-11, and added 19 points.

Hatters Team Defense

Stetson's defense gave up 74 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field, converting 28 of 63 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 50% shooting, as the other team went 20/40 on two-point attempts.

From three-point range, Stetson's defense held their opponents to 34% shooting, with 8 made threes on 23 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they hit 10 for 55%. Stetson allowed 13 offensive rebounds.

Bears vs Hatters Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across their ten previous road games, Mercer has an ATS mark of 3-7. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-8 while averaging 65 points per game.
Across their ten previous home games, Stetson has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 69 points per game.
Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Hatters have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 0-5.
Through their last three games as the favorite, the Bears have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.