The visiting Bears hope to send their backers to the pay window on Monday as they look to cover the spread at G. B. Hodge Center against the USC Upstate Spartans.

The Spartans currently sports a 9-7 record overall in NCAAB action, and have posted a corresponding betting slate of 1-0 ATS. The Bears are 11-7 and 2-1 ATS. Betting totals have seen the Spartans produce a 1-0 OVER/UNDER record on the season, while the Bears have gone 0-3 against the number.



View Mercer vs USC Upstate Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Spartans, most recently No. 195 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Bears, who rate No. 95 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 73-72 victory for the Bears.



How They Match Up:
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and USC Upstate has the nation's No. 97-rated offensive output, at 72.8 PPG. The visiting Bears defense ranks No. 118 allowing on average 64.6 PPG. The Spartans FG% has averaged 45.5% so far, more than the Bears marksmen have achieved on the year, 45.1% per game.

Comparing how these foes stack up statistically, Mercer owns the country's No. 153-rated mark, allowing 70 points per game on the highway. USC Upstate, on the other hand, rates No. 133 in scoring at home.

In their last action, Mercer was a 76-61 loser on the road against East Tennessee State. Justin Cecil scored 17 points in a futile effort to lead the Bears to a win (they lost 76-61 to East Tennessee State at ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center on Saturday).

In their last action, USC Upstate was a 68-53 Sportsbook at home against Kennesaw State. USC Upstate got 28 points and 10 rebounds from Torrey Craig en route to a 68-53 victory over Kennesaw State on Saturday at G. B. Hodge Center.

Next up:
Mercer home to Kennesaw State, Friday, January 13
USC Upstate at North Florida, Saturday, January 14