Who's Playing

Mercer @ Western Carolina

Current Records: Mercer 7-9; Western Carolina 9-7

What to Know

After a two-game homestand, the Mercer Bears will be on the road. Mercer and the Western Carolina Catamounts will face off in a Southern battle at 4 p.m. ET Saturday at Ramsey Center. The teams split their matchups last year, with Western Carolina winning the first 69-65 at home and the Bears taking the second 81-53.

Mercer was just a bucket shy of a victory on Wednesday and fell 53-52 to the Wofford Terriers.

Meanwhile, Western Carolina strolled past the E. Tennessee State Buccaneers with points to spare on Wednesday, taking the contest 71-60.

Barring any buzzer beaters, Mercer is expected to win a tight contest. But bettors beware: they are only 2-5 against the spread when favored.

The Bears took their game against the Catamounts when the two teams previously met in March of last year by a conclusive 81-53 score. Mercer's win shoved Western Carolina out of the playoffs, so they have a target on their back.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 4 p.m. ET
  • Where: Ramsey Center -- Cullowhee, North Carolina
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Bears are a slight 1-point favorite against the Catamounts, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Bears as a 1.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -111

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Series History

Mercer have won nine out of their last 16 games against Western Carolina.

  • Mar 04, 2022 - Mercer 81 vs. Western Carolina 53
  • Feb 19, 2022 - Western Carolina 69 vs. Mercer 65
  • Jan 22, 2022 - Mercer 72 vs. Western Carolina 64
  • Feb 27, 2021 - Western Carolina 85 vs. Mercer 61
  • Jan 16, 2021 - Mercer 78 vs. Western Carolina 76
  • Mar 07, 2020 - Western Carolina 70 vs. Mercer 56
  • Jan 22, 2020 - Mercer 85 vs. Western Carolina 79
  • Jan 11, 2020 - Western Carolina 79 vs. Mercer 71
  • Feb 14, 2019 - Mercer 74 vs. Western Carolina 65
  • Jan 10, 2019 - Mercer 84 vs. Western Carolina 80
  • Feb 20, 2018 - Mercer 81 vs. Western Carolina 64
  • Jan 10, 2018 - Western Carolina 58 vs. Mercer 56
  • Jan 30, 2017 - Mercer 62 vs. Western Carolina 47
  • Jan 21, 2017 - Mercer 70 vs. Western Carolina 50
  • Feb 18, 2016 - Western Carolina 72 vs. Mercer 65
  • Jan 24, 2016 - Western Carolina 86 vs. Mercer 80