Chicago State vs Mercer Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/15/24

In this article, we will formulate a Chicago State vs Mercer prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, December 15th at Hawkins Arena in Macon, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Chicago State Cougars Betting Preview

The Chicago State Cougars are 0-11 this year after they lost to St. Louis by a score of 85-62 in their last game. Chicago State trailed 41-33 at the half and they only scored 29 points in the second half in the loss. The Cougars shot 35.5% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Noble Crawford led Chicago State with 18 points and four rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Cougars lost their first 10 games of the season, with nine of them coming by double digits. Chicago State has scored 60.4 points per game and they have allowed 84.7 points per game, while also averaging 33.1 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game this season. Jalen Forrest is averaging 9.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while Chicago State is shooting 34.9% from the field, 66.1% on free throws, and 29.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Mercer Bears Betting Preview

The Mercer Bears are 5-4 this season after they defeated Stetson in overtime by a score of 89-83 in their last game. Mercer only scored 33 points in the second half, but they rallied with 16 points in overtime for the win. The Bears shot 44.8% from the field, 39.3% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Tyler Johnson led Mercer with 26 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bears defeated West Georgia by a score of 86-72 but did lose to Miami (OH) by a score of 75-72 before that. Mercer has scored 85 points per game and they have allowed 74.4 points per game, while also averaging 38.6 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game this season. Tyler Johnson is averaging 17.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while Mercer is shooting 48.3% from the field, 68.7% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers this year. Mercer will face Queens, Winthrop, Georgia State, and Chattanooga following this one.

Why Mercer will beat Chicago State

• Chicago State has lost each of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
• Mercer has won each of its last six games at Hawkins Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Mercer has won the first half in six of its last seven day games against non-conference opponents at Hawkins Arena.

Chicago State vs Mercer Prediction 

Chicago State comes into this matchup looking for their first win of the season, but they are scoring just 60.4 points per game and shooting 34.9% from the field. The Cougars have also struggled defensively, as they are allowing 84.7 points against per game. Mercer has won three of their last four games and while their defense has also struggled, they are scoring 85 points per game this year. The Bears have played in quite a few close games recently, but I think they will pull away and win this game easily. Take Mercer here. 

David Racey's Pick: Mercer -14.5