| MATCHUP | Samford Bulldogs | Mercer Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 16-12 | 17-11 |
| Spread | +3.5 -105 | -3.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +154 | -185 |
| Total | Over 154.5 (-115) | Under 154.5 (-105) |
| Where | Hawkins Arena, Macon, GA | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Mercer Bears Preview
The Mercer Bears have a 17-11 overall record and a 9-6 record in the SoCon. They are coming off a 94-90 home loss against Chattanooga and their previous three games were a 70-54 road win against The Citadel, a 69-64 home win against Furman and a 69-49 road loss against Samford.
Offensively, Mercer averages 82.9 points per game, while allowing 75 points per game defensively. The Bears shoot with 45% from the field and grab 39.2 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.3 assists per game. They average 3.6 blocks per game and 8.3 steals per game defensively.
Baraka Okojie leads Mercer in scoring, with an average of 19.4 points per game, while shooting with 42.3% from the field and 82.5% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 5.5 assists. Armani Mighty is the team’s leading rebounder with 10.5 per game.
Samford Bulldogs Preview
The Samford Bulldogs have a 16-12 overall record and a 9-6 record in the SoCon. They are coming off a 78-75 road win against The Citadel and their previous three games were an 82-72 road win against ETSU, a 97-80 home win against Wofford and a 69-49 home win against Mercer.
Offensively, Samford averages 78.3 points per game, while allowing 74.8 points per game defensively. The Bulldogs shoot with 45% from the field and grab 36.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.8 assists per game. They average 3 blocks per game and 4.6 steals per game defensively.
Jadin Booth leads Samford in scoring, with an average of 20.8 points per game, while shooting with 45% from the field and 87.6% from the free throw line. Dylan Faulkner is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.3 per game. Keaton Norris leads the team in assists with 4.8 per game.
Samford Bulldogs @ Mercer Bears Betting Trends: February 21, 2026
Why the Mercer Bears will win
- Mercer has won each of its last seven day games at Hawkins Arena.
- Samford has lost three of its last four day games following a road win.
- Mercer has won the first half in seven of its last eight day games at Hawkins Arena.
Why the Samford Bulldogs will win
- Samford has won each of its last six games.
- Samford has won the first half in each of its last six games against Mercer.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Mercer’s last eight home games have produced a total of 164+ points.
- Five of Samford’s last six day games have produced a total of 154 or fewer points.
Samford vs Mercer Prediction
In this Samford vs Mercer Prediction, Mercer is coming as -4 home favorites. Both teams have almost identical overall records this season but Samford has been in better form lately, as they have six consecutive wins and are 5-1 against the spread. On the flip side, Mercer has lost three of its last five games and is 2-4 against the spread, but have been 12-1 straight up at home and 8-2 against the spread, while having a better offense this season, so I like them in a bounce-back spot today. Take Mercer and lay the points.