Furman (16-14) vs Mercer (14-15)
Game Info: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Timmons Arena)
Betting Odds: Furman -9.5 -- Over/Under: 148.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The Mercer Bears and the Furman Paladins meet in college basketball action from the Timmons Arena on Saturday afternoon. Who comes out ahead in Sunday’s SoCon tilt? Let’s dive in and find out with our Mercer vs. Furman Prediction.
Mercer Team Preview
The Mercer Bears come into this one looking to rebound from an 84-75 loss to Chattanooga last time out. Jalyn McCreary leads Mercer in scoring and rebounding with 15.6 PPG and 4.7 RPG as the only double-digit scorer for Mercer so far this season. David Thomas has 9.9 PPG with 2.1 APG while Jake Davis has 9.3 PPG and 4.6 RPG while Jah Quinones has a team-high 2.2 APG as well to lead the Bears in assists this season. As a team, Mercer is averaging 70.8 PPG on 44.5% shooting from the field, 33.8% from three and 66.9% from the foul line this season.
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Furman Team Preview
The Furman Paladins come into this game looking to rebound from an 85-77 loss to Western Carolina last time out. JP Pegues leads the Paladins in scoring and assists with 17.9 PPG and 4.7 APG along with 4.4 RPG while Marcus Foster has 17.4 PPG with 7.5 RPG in 21 games this season. Alex Williams has 14.2 PPG with 4.7 RPG to cap off the scoring in double figures for Furman up to this point in the year. PJay Smith Jr. has 9.8 PPG with 3.4 RPG and Carter Whitt also has 7.8 PPG with 3.2 RPG and 3.8 APG as well this season. As a team, Furman is averaging 79.7 PPG on 44.7% shooting from the field, 32.6% from three and 72.7% from the foul line this season.
Mercer vs. Furman Prediction
I’m on Furman here. The Paladins have been playing really well at home and aren’t a team I’m really looking to step in front of. Mercer’s had defensive issues for the better part of the season and I don’t think I can trust them to score alongside Furman for a full 40 minutes in this game. Furman’s the far better team here and I’m willing to lay the big number with them at home here.
Chris’s Pick Furman -9.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo

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