Mercer vs South Carolina Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/21/24

In this article, we will formulate a Mercer vs South Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, November 21st at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Mercer Bears Betting Preview

The Mercer Bears are 2-2 this year after they lost to South Alabama by a score of 75-66 in their last game. Mercer trailed 42-32 at halftime, but they did win the second half by one point. The Bears shot 37.9% from the field, 37.5% on three-pointers, and 90.9% on free throws in the game. Tyler Johnson led Mercer with 26 points and two rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bears defeated a non-D-1 team by a score of 101-43 but did lose to DePaul before that. Mercer has scored 89 points per game and they have allowed 66.8 points per game, while also averaging 44.5 rebounds and 18.5 assists per game this season. Tyler Johnson is averaging 16.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while Mercer is shooting 47.7% from the field, 66.2% on free throws, and 33.3% on three-pointers this year. 

South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview

The South Carolina Gamecocks are 2-2 this season after they lost to Indiana by a score of 87-71 in their last game. South Carolina trailed 43-32 at the half and they allowed 44 points in the second half in the loss. The Gamecocks shot 38.1% from the field, 27.6% on three-pointers, and 65.2% on free throws in the game. Morris Ugusuk led South Carolina with 18 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that defeat, the Gamecocks defeated Towson by a score of 80-54 and South Carolina State by a score of 86-64. South Carolina has scored 77 points per game and they have allowed 69.8 points per game, while also averaging 40.3 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game this season. Colin Murray-Boyles is averaging 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while South Carolina is shooting 45.1% from the field, 67% on free throws, and 29% on three-pointers this year. South Carolina will face Xavier, Boston College, and East Carolina following this game.

Why Mercer will beat South Carolina

• Mercer has won seven of its last eight Thursday night games against non-conference opponents.

Mercer vs South Carolina Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with 2-2 records through four games, but Mercer is still looking for their first D-1 win of the season. The Bears have beaten up on two non-D-1 teams this season, but they lost by nine points to South Alabama and 31 points to DePaul. South Carolina defeated Towson by 26 points and South Carolina State by 22 points in their two victories. The Gamecocks are only shooting 45.1% from the field and I think they could have a little bit of trouble in this game. South Carolina will get the win, but I think this will be closer to 10 points. 

David Racey's Pick: Mercer +18.5