Current Standings and Context
Both teams are in the middle of SoCon play, but Mercer enters as the hotter squad. The Bears are tied for second in the conference standings, riding a six-game winning streak that includes impressive road victories. Western Carolina, meanwhile, sits seventh in the SoCon and has struggled lately, dropping three of their last four games. The Catamounts are looking to build momentum after a gritty 72-68 home win over ETSU, but road woes (1-7 away record) could hinder them.
Team Overviews
Mercer Bears: The Bears have turned their season around with a dominant stretch, winning their last six games, including a 102-92 shootout at UNC Greensboro on January 17 and a 77-67 win at VMI on January 15. Their offense is clicking at 84.8 points per game, fueled by efficient shooting (46.4% FG) and strong rebounding. Defensively, they've held opponents to 74.5 points on average. At home, Mercer is undefeated (8-0), making them a tough out in Hawkins Arena.
Western Carolina Catamounts: The Catamounts have shown flashes of potential but lack consistency, with a -3.4 scoring margin overall. Their recent form includes a home loss to Chattanooga (90-82) on January 17, but they picked up a home win over unbeaten ETSU. Offensively, they average 77.2 points but shoot just 43.6% from the field, and their defense allows 80.6 points per game. Road games have been particularly challenging, with close losses like 82-77 at Samford and 79-77 at The Citadel highlighting their competitiveness but inability to close.
Key Players to Watch
Mercer:
Baraka Okojie (G, Jr.): Leads the team with 18.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, and 1.3 SPG. His playmaking and free-throw accuracy (85.1%) make him a matchup nightmare.
Armani Mighty (C, Sr.): A double-double machine at 13.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG, plus 1.8 BPG. His presence in the paint anchors the defense and rebounding.
Zaire Williams (G, Sr.): Adds 12.1 PPG with 35.3% from three, providing spacing and secondary scoring.
Western Carolina:
Marcus Kell (F, Sr.): Tops the scoring at 13.6 PPG with 4.5 RPG. His 31.1% three-point shooting stretches the floor.
Cord Stansberry (G, Sr.): Contributes 13.1 PPG and 2.1 APG, efficient from the line at 76.8%.
Julien Soumaoro (G, Gr.): Averages 11.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 2.1 APG, with 35.5% from deep for outside threats.
Samuel Dada (F): Leads in rebounding at 6.9 RPG, providing interior toughness.
Head-to-Head History
Western Carolina holds a slight all-time edge at 17-15, but Mercer has dominated recently, winning the last two meetings, including a narrow 67-66 victory on March 7, 2025, and an 81-69 win on January 3, 2025. The Bears are 7-6 at home against the Catamounts.
Key Matchups
Paint Battle: Mercer's Armani Mighty vs. Western Carolina's Samuel Dada. Mighty's rebounding and blocking could limit second-chance opportunities for the Catamounts.
Guard Play: Okojie's creation vs. Soumaoro and Dioumassi's defense. If Western Carolina can disrupt Okojie's rhythm, they might slow Mercer's offense.
Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely on the arc (Mercer 35% 3FG, Western Carolina 31.3%), so the team that gets hot from deep could pull away.
Prediction
Mercer is the clear favorite with home-court advantage, superior form, and better efficiency on both ends. Expect the Bears to extend their win streak to seven, covering a projected spread of around 8-10 points.
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