The Northern Kentucky Norse will look to boost their win total and cover the spread when they tip off against the Mercer Bears at The Bank of Kentucky Center on Thursday in NCAA hoops play.

The Bears will look to vanquish their hosts on Thursday, as they are 0-3 ATS versus the spread this season, while the Norse are 2-2 ATS. Mercer is 2-0 against the total, while Northern Kentucky is 0-0 versus the number.



View Mercer vs Northern Kentucky Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Norse, most recently No. 282 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Bears, who rate No. 171 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 65-54 victory for the Bears.



How They Match Up:
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Northern Kentucky has the nation's No. 343-rated offensive output, at 56.1 PPG. The visiting Bears defense ranks No. 20 allowing on average 57.9 PPG. The Norse FG% has averaged 38.9% so far, less than the Bears marksmen have achieved on the year, 41.5% per game.

Defensively, Mercer features the nation's No. 30-rated defense on the road, allowing 61.5 points per game. Northern Kentucky, meanwhile, comes in at No. 345 nationally in scoring at home.

Last time out for Mercer, they were an 82-74 Sportsbook as they battled USC Upstate at home. Mercer earned an 82-74 victory over USC Upstate on Saturday, getting 24 points from Travis Smith at Mercer University Center.

In their last action, Northern Kentucky was a 73-54 loser on the road against Florida Gulf Coast. Eshaunte Jones scored 22 points in a futile effort to lead the Norse to a win (they lost 73-54 to Florida Gulf Coast at Alico Arena on Saturday).

Next up:
Mercer at Lipscomb, Saturday, January 26
Northern Kentucky home to Kennesaw State, Saturday, January 26