As the 2022-23 NCAAB schedule is quietly creeping its way to March, we have great conference basketball being played around the country. Thursday night, the Southern Conference has a key (no pun intended matchup) between the Mercer Bears and VMI Keydets.
Both the Bears and Keydets are at the bottom of the college basketball standings in the conference. Mercer comes into the game with an 8-11 (1-5) record, while VMI sits at 5-14 (0-6). There is still a lot of basketball to be played in the NCAAB schedule, so this mid-January matchup is pivotal. Let’s check out the Mercer vs VMI odds.
Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Odds
As we gear up for the Mercer Bears vs VMI Keydets Thursday night contest, we have to discuss the numbers. The Mercer vs VMI odds opened in favor of Mercer, and the lines continue to push toward their favor. Lines opened at Mercer -3.5 (-110) and are up to -4.5 (-110). Many books are already up to -5 (-110) in favor of Mercer.
Looking at the moneyline, Mercer sits at -202, and VMI is at +168. The total for this game is at an even 140 (-110). This may not be one of the best NCAA basketball games today, but games like this are where money can be made.
VMI has been counted out in many games this season, and experts around the league believe this could be their last real shot at earning a victory. A lot is on the line for the Keydets as they look for their first win since early in December.
Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Information
Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets
Location of the game: Cameron Hall. Lexington, VA.
Date: Thursday, 19th January. 6:00 PM.
How to watch: ESPN+
Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Betting Preview
Mercer Bears Looking for Two in a Row
Let’s face it; this is not the season the Mercer Bears envisioned for themselves. Each of the past three seasons have resulted in fewer wins than the year before, and this year looks the same. The good news, however, is the Bears are coming off their first conference victory of the season and look to make it two on the road against the VMI Keydets. Mercer is 2-6 on the road throughout the season, but the NCAAB odds still love them in this matchup.
Mercer’s cup of tea is bully ball; they want to punish you in the paint. It all starts with Jalyn McCreary, who averages 14.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He leads the team in both categories and is easily one of the best college basketball players you will see on the court at Cameron Hall. Mercer is a very experienced team, as the three players with the most minutes per game are all seniors.
When Kamar Robertson, Shawn Walker Jr., and Luis Hartado Jr. all play well, the team typically does too. The biggest weakness for Mercer is their 31.0 rebounds per game. That is the 258th-worst out of all NCAA basketball teams.
The NCAAB picks have not loved Mercer this season. They are tied for the worst record against the spread in the conference at 6-11. On top of that, they are also tied for the worst record in the over/under, also at 6-11. In five of the last six games, Mercer did not cover the spread. The Mercer Bears stats have them trending in the wrong direction, even though they won and covered in their last game.
No Wins, No Problem
Getting your first conference win is often the hardest. The VMI Keydets are looking to do just that on Thursday night. They are the only team in the Southern Conference without a conference win. Adding to that, the Keydets are on an eight-game losing streak. The VMI Keydets standings may be rough, but they are 5-2 at home. VMI is without three players on the college basketball injury report who will miss the entire season.
VMI has three very potent scorers on their not-so-deep team. Asher Woods averages 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists as a freshman. The senior guard, Sean Conway, averages 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 43.0% from the three-point line. At center, Tyler Houser averages 10.4 points and 4.0 rebounds and is not afraid to shoot the three. VMI is much more well-rounded but struggles with efficiency and sharing the ball.
The Keydets only have five wins on the moneyline, but they are 9-7 against the spread. VMI is also 10-6 in the over/under. They struggle to score, but their defense is not good. The Keydets give up 76.3 points per game and allow their opponents to shoot 46.2% from the field. Their defensive metrics are among the worst in D1.
Mercer Bears vs. VMI Keydets Betting Picks
Now, we likely will not see the Mercer Bears or VMI Keydets in our March Madness picks down the road, but a conference win is important for both teams. The momentum is moving toward Mercer, and rightfully so. Now that we have the Mercer vs VMI odds, let’s make our final prediction.
Take Mercer -4.5 (-110) over VMI. Yes, the Keydets are 5-2 at home and Mercer struggles away from Macon, but this eight-game losing streak for VMI is no fluke. While you are at it, take over 140 (-110). Mercer should win by multiple possessions and earn their second victory in a row.
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