| MATCHUP | Mercer Bears | Virginia Tech Hokies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Spread | +21.5 -112 | -21.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +1700 | -4500 |
| Total | Over 152.5 (-115) | Under 152.5 (-105) |
| Where | Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA | |
| When | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ACCNX | |
Mercer vs Virginia Tech Prediction
In this Mercer vs Virginia Tech Prediction, Virginia Tech is coming as -21.5 road favorites. Both teams are coming off wins in their opening games of the season, but Virginia Tech had a much stronger competition against Copping State, whom they won by 34 points, while Mercer had to face an NAIA team and won easily as expected. Virginia Tech is projected as #63 for the upcoming College Basketball Season, while Mercer is projected as #293. The Hokies were very strong at home and had a 19-13 against the spread record last season, while Mercer were also efficient against the spread with a 19-10 ATS record but struggled on the road and will face their first road test today against a strong VT Team that will be playing its second straight game at home to start the season. Take Virginia Tech and lay the points at home in this one.
Virginia Tech Hokies Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies have a 1-0 overall record and a 1-0 home record. They are coming off a 88-54 home win against Coppin State and will face Iowa and Mount St. Mary’s next.
Offensively, they are averaging 88.0 points per game (ranking 107th in the nation), while allowing 54.0 points per game defensively (44th). They have a 121.6 offensive rating (ranking 107th) and a 74.6 defensive rating (55th). The Hokies are shooting 50.0% from the field (ranking 98th in the nation) and 46.4% from beyond the arc (34th), while grabbing 38.0 rebounds per game (169th in the nation) and averaging 20.0 assists per game (67th). They have 5.0 blocks per game (88th in the nation) and 12.0 steals per game (48th).
Ben Hammond leads Virginia Tech in scoring, averaging 20.0 ppg on 42.9% shooting from the field, adding 3.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Jaylen Curry follows with 19.0 ppg on 66.7% shooting from the field and one rebound per game, while Amani Hansberry adds 16.0 ppg on 54.5% shooting from the field and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Mercer Bears Preview
The Mercer Bears have a 1-0 overall record and a 0-0 away record. They are coming off a 90-53 home win against Reinhardt and will face Davidson and Georgia Southern next.
Offensively, they are averaging 90.0 points per game (ranking 94th in the nation), while allowing 53.0 points per game defensively (42nd). They have a 120.3 offensive rating (ranking 117th) and a 70.8 defensive rating (40th). The Bears are shooting 47.8% from the field (ranking 142nd in the nation) and 28.6% from beyond the arc (232nd), while grabbing 48.0 rebounds per game (48th in the nation) and averaging 10.0 assists per game (284th). They have 2.0 blocks per game (243rd in the nation) and 13.0 steals per game (34th).
Shane Cherry leads Mercer in scoring, averaging 21.0 ppg on 63.6% shooting from the field, adding 4.0 rebounds. Derek Goodman follows with 18.0 ppg on 58.3% shooting from the field and 3.0 rebounds per game, while KJ LaMonte adds 14.0 ppg on 33.3% shooting from the field and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Mercer Bears @ Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends: November 5, 2026
Why the Virginia Tech Hokies will win
- Virginia Tech has won each of its last 12 home games against the Southern Conference.
- Mercer has lost five of its last six away games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Mercer has lost the first half in each of its last four night games.
Why the Mercer Bears will win
- Virginia Tech has lost each of its last three games following a home win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Virginia Tech’s last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Cassell Coliseum have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
- Each of Mercer’s last three road games have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia Tech ranks T3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (2.0).
- Virginia Tech ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (12.0).
- Mercer ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (4.0).
- Mercer ranks T35th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (13.0).