College hoops betting interest focuses on the Mercer vs Lipscomb battle Thursday at Mercer University Center as the Bears look to defend home court and cover the NCAA basketball point spread.

Mercer battles the Bison, currently sitting with a 10-15 mark (0-0 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals bettors, are 2-0 for the Bears and 0-0 for the Bison.



View Lipscomb vs Mercer Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
The Odds Shark Power Rankings have the Bears at No. 152 and the Bison at No. 181 heading into this contest. Handicapping models at Odds Shark project a 73-60 result in favor of the Bears.



How They Match Up:
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Mercer has the nation's No. 268-rated offensive output, at 63.6 PPG. The visiting Bison defense ranks No. 341 allowing on average 76.9 PPG. The Bears FG% has averaged 42.2% so far, less than the Bison marksmen have achieved on the year, 42.9% per game.

Defensively, Lipscomb features the nation's No. 347-rated defense on the road, allowing 82 points per game. Mercer, meanwhile, comes in at No. 233 nationally in scoring at home.

Lipscomb was an 84-74 Sportsbook in its last match at home against Florida Gulf Coast. Martin Smith went off for 30 points and added 10 rebounds for good measure, leading Lipscomb to an 84-74 win over Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday at Allen Arena.

Mercer won its last outing, a 71-54 result against East Tennessee State on February 16. The Bears grabbed a 71-54 win over the Buccaneers on Saturday, behind a 16-point effort from Travis Smith at ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.

Next up:
Lipscomb at Kennesaw State, Saturday, February 23
Mercer home to Northern Kentucky, Saturday, February 23