| MATCHUP | VMI Keydets | Mercer Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-17 | 15-8 |
| Where | Hawkins Arena, Macon, GA | |
| When | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The VMI Keydets and the Mercer Bears meet Saturday in college basketball action from Hawkins Arena in Macon. Here’s a VMI vs Mercer prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best VMI vs Mercer pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
VMI Keydets Betting Preview
The Keydets won three of their first four games this year. A six-game losing streak came next though, finally halted by wins over Christendom, Loyola Maryland and Chattanooga in the ensuing five outings. Losses to East Tennessee State, Furman, Mercer, the Citadel, UNC Greensboro and Western Carolina came next though, leaving the Keydets at 6-15 in their first 21 outings.
On Thursday versus the Citadel, VMI was already trailing by halftime, staring at a 34-25 disadvantage on the scoreboard. The Keydets didn’t end up getting any closer, hitting a rough 46-31 run in the second half during an 80-56 loss in the end. TJ Johnson led the team in the losing effort with 16 points and eight rebounds while Mario Tatum chipped in 11 points in 36 minutes of work.
Mercer Bears Betting Preview
Over on the Mercer side, they posted a strong 7-2 run over their first nine games, but then took losses in five of the next six versus Clemson, Central Florida, Washington State, Furman and East Tennessee State. After wins over the Citadel, Wofford, VMI, UNC Greensboro and Western Carolina, Mercer took a three-point loss to Wofford. Over the first 21 games that gave the Bears a 13-8 run.
Matched up Thursday versus UNC Greensboro, the Bears were in control at the break holding on to a 43-29 lead. Mercer hit a 52-48 advantage in the second half on the way to a 95-77 win at home. Baraka Okojie (eight assists) and Brady Shoulders (five rebounds) were the top team scorers with 16 points apiece and Armani Mighty put up 13 points with 14 rebounds for a double-double.
VMI Keydets @ Mercer Bears Betting Trends: January 31, 2026
Why the Mercer Bears will win
- Mercer has won each of its last 11 games at Hawkins Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- VMI has lost each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- VMI has lost the first half in each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the VMI Keydets will win
- The road team has won each of the last three games between VMI and Mercer.
VMI vs Mercer Prediction
I’ll lean toward Mercer. The Bears rolled right past a struggling UNC Greensboro team this week, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 40 percent (16-of-40) from outside. The 40-33 rebounding edge and eight turnovers were helpful as well. Mercer is a nice 6-1 in their last seven games, scoring 77 or more points in all of those outings.
These teams met up back on January 15 in a 77-67 road win for the Bears. In that one Mercer managed 44.4 percent shooting from the field and 75 percent (18-of-24) from the line but posted a 14.3-percent (3-of-21) dud from 3-point range and 14 turnovers. Still, the Bears saved themselves with a strong advantage on the boards (44-24) and in the paint (50-18). I like Mercer to keep it up in the home rematch.