| MATCHUP | Western Carolina Catamounts | Mercer Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-11 | 12-7 |
| Spread | +9.5 -115 | -9.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +390 | -520 |
| Total | Over 159.5 (-105) | Under 159.5 (-115) |
| Where | Hawkins Arena, Macon, GA | |
| When | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Preview
The Western Carolina Catamounts are 6-11 (2-4) this season after they lost to Chattanooga by a score of 90-82 in their last game. Western Carolina led 42-37 at halftime, but they allowed 53 points in the second half for the disappointing loss. The Catamounts shot 45% from the field, 36% on three pointers, and 62% on free throws in the game. Julien Soumaoro led WCU with 17 points and four rebounds, while Cord Stansberry added 14 points and three rebounds in the loss.Prior to that game, Western Carolina defeated East Tennessee State by a score of 72-68, but lost to The Citadel by a score of 79-77 before that. The Catamounts have scored 77.2 points per game with 39.5 rebounds and 13.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 80.6 points against per game this season. Marcus Kell is averaging 13.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Cord Stansberry is averaging 13.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Catamounts. Western Carolina is shooting 44.0% from the field, 69.2% on free throws, and 31.8% on three pointers this season.
Mercer Bears Betting Preview
The Mercer Bears are 12-7 (4-2) this year after they defeated UNCG by a score of 102-92 in their last game. Mercer led 51-37 at halftime, but they did allow 55 points in the second half in the win. The Bears shot 61% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Baraka Okojie led Mercer with 25 points and three rebounds, while Armani Mighty added 20 points and 13 rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, Mercer defeated VMI by a score of 77-67 and Wofford by a score of 109-97. The Bears have scored 85.3 points per game with 39.2 rebounds and 14.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.0 points against per game this season. Baraka Okojie is averaging 18.2 points and 5.6 assists per game, while Armani Mighty is averaging 13.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Bears. Mercer is shooting 46.9% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 34.7% on three pointers this year.
Why the Mercer Bears will win
- Mercer has won each of its last nine games at Hawkins Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Western Carolina has lost each of its last eight road night games against the Southern Conference.
Why the Western Carolina Catamounts will win
- Mercer has lost three of its last four night games at Hawkins Arena following a road win.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Western Carolina’s last 11 night games against the Southern Conference have produced a total of 159 or fewer points.
- Seventeen of Mercer’s last 19 night games against Conference opponents at Hawkins Arena have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.