Chicago State Cougars vs Mercer Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/15/24

Betting on today’s Cougars and Bears game? Catch the action at Hawkins Arena in Macon, GA, as the Bears hosts this showdown at 2:00 ET on NEC. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 149.5 points, and Mercer is favored by -15.5 at home against Chicago State.

CHICAGO STATE COUGARS VS MERCER BEARS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago State Cougars +15.5

This game will be played at Hawkins Arena at 2:00 ET on Sunday, December 15th.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO STATE COUGARS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Bears.
• Even though we have Mercer winning straight-up, we like Chicago State at +15.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.

Is a Win at Macon Possible for the Cougars?

Chicago State Cougars Recent Game/Games

Chicago State fell to 0-11 on the season after an 85-62 road loss to Saint Louis on Sunday. The Cougars, who were +25 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 41-33 at halftime, Chicago State was outscored 44-29 in the second half. The game’s total points of 147 fell short of the 154.5 O/U line.

Chicago State managed just 62 points in their latest game, shooting 35.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.9%, and they hit 66.7% of their free throws.

Robbie Avila led the way with 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Gibson Jimerson and Noble Crawford each added 18 points. Kalu Anya was efficient, shooting 85.7% from the field and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Chicago State’s defense struggled, giving up 85 points on 48% shooting. They allowed 29 field goals on 60 attempts.

From beyond the arc, the Cougars gave up 12 threes on 29 attempts, a 41% clip. They also sent the opponent to the line 20 times, where they hit 15 free throws.

Will the Bears Win at Home?

Mercer Bears Recent Game/Games

The Bears improved to 3-4 this season with an 89-83 win over Stetson on Sunday. Mercer, who entered the game as -3.5 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.

Mercer led 40-38 at halftime and scored 33 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35. The game’s total points reached 172, surpassing the O/U line of 153.5.

Mercer put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 44.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.7%. They connected on 39.3% of their three-point attempts, going 11-for-28 from deep, and hit 66.7% of their free throws, making 18 of 27.

Tyler Johnson led the way with 26 points, hitting 6 of 10 from beyond the arc and shooting 61.5% overall. Alex Holt was efficient inside, shooting 83.3% from the field, while Jordan Wood and Josh Massey each added 23 points, with Massey hitting 8 of 12 shots.

Mercer gave up 83 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field, including 47% on two-point attempts (16/34). From beyond the arc, the other team hit 11 of 29 threes, good for 37%.

At the free-throw line, Mercer’s opponent was efficient, making 18 of 21 attempts (85%). The Bears also allowed 9 offensive rebounds in the game.