Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Mercer vs Samford NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Homewood.
Mercer vs Samford Prediction
Planning on watching today's Bears and Bulldogs game? Catch the action at Pete Hanna Center in Homewood, AL, as the Bulldogs hosts this showdown at 7:30 ET on ESPN+. This Southern conference matchup has an over/under of 158 points, and Samford is favored to win by -11 at home vs. Mercer.
Mercer vs. Samford Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Mercer Bears at Samford Bulldogs
- Where: Homewood at Pete Hanna Center
- Date: Wednesday, February 5th
- Betting Odds SAMF -11, MERC +425 | SAMF -575 O/U 158
Bears Preview: Can Mercer Grab a Win on the Road?
Mercer Bears Recent Game/Games
Mercer’s season record fell to 9-13 after a 93-84 road loss to Chattanooga on Saturday. Entering the game as +7.5 point underdogs, the Bears not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 177, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 153.5.
Mercer led 48-41 at halftime but struggled defensively in the 2nd half, allowing 52 points while scoring only 36.
Bears Offense Breakdown
Mercer's offense put up 84 points in their last game, shooting 46.2% from the field and 44% from three-point range, hitting 11 of 25 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.4%, though they struggled at the free-throw line, making just 13 of 25 attempts (52%).
Bash Wieland led the Bears with 22 points, despite shooting just 22.2% from deep. Ahmad Robinson added 19 points and 6 assists, while Brady Shoulders was efficient, hitting 4 of 5 threes and finishing with 14 points.
Bears Team Defense
Mercer’s defense gave up 93 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 45% from the field. They connected on 55% of their two-point attempts, going 16/29.
From beyond the arc, Mercer allowed 11 threes on 31 attempts, a 35% clip. Their opponents also went to the line 36 times, hitting 28 free throws for 77%. Mercer gave up 8 offensive rebounds.
Bulldogs Preview: Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Bulldogs?
Samford improved to 16-5 on the season with an 83-58 road win over The Citadel on Saturday. Entering the game as -16.5 favorites, Samford covered the spread, though the combined points of 141 fell just short of the 143.5 O/U line.
Samford took control early, leading 47-29 at halftime. They maintained their strong play in the second half, outscoring The Citadel 36-29 to secure the win.
Bulldogs Offense Breakdown
Samford's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 83 points while shooting 58.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.1%, thanks to 80% shooting on two-pointers and 40% from beyond the arc.
The Bulldogs also dished out 20 assists, with Christian Moore leading the way with 19 points, hitting 5 threes at a 41.7% clip. Trey Fort and Riley Allenspach both contributed 17 points, with Allenspach shooting 85.7% from the field.
Bulldogs Team Defense
Samford Bulldogs put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponents to just 58 points on 33% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside, limiting the other team to 28% shooting on two-point attempts, with only 6 makes out of 21 tries.
From beyond the arc, Samford allowed 10 threes on 27 attempts, a 37% success rate. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 27 times, where they converted 16 for 59%. On the boards, Samford gave up 9 offensive rebounds.
Bears vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- Across their ten previous road games, Mercer has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 4-6 while averaging 75 points per game.
- Across their ten previous home games, Samford has an ATS mark of 4-6. Their straight up record in these matchups was 7-3 while averaging 81 points per game.
- Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Mercer has an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 1-4 straight up.
- As the betting favorite, the Bulldogs have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.
Mercer vs Samford Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Mercer +11 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.