The Mercer Bears and Chicago State Cougars meet Thursday in college basketball action at the Jones Convocation Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Mercer Bears Betting Preview

The Mercer Bears look for a win after losing their opener to Clark Atlanta. The Mercer Bears look to avoid their second 0-2 start in the last 3 years. The Mercer Bears are averaging 64 points on 37.5 percent shooting and allowing 71 points on 47.1 percent shooting. Jalyn McCreary is averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Robby Carmody is averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds. Jalen Cobb is dishing 2 assists and Jake Davis is dishing 3 assists. The Mercer Bears are shooting 23.3 percent from beyond the arc and 65.2 percent from the free throw line. The Mercer Bears are allowing 31.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30 rebounds per game.

Chicago State Cougars Betting Preview

The Chicago State Cougars also need a win after losing their opener to Bowling Green. The Chicago State Cougars look to avoid their third 0-2 start in the last 4 years. The Chicago State Cougars are averaging 41 points on 25 percent shooting and allowing 70 points on 44.1 percent shooting. Wesley Cardet Jr. is averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Jahsean Corbett is averaging 9 points and 1 assist. Noble Crawford is grabbing 4 rebounds and Deshawn Jean-Charles is grabbing 10 rebounds. The Chicago State Cougars are shooting 25 percent from beyond the arc and 60 percent from the free throw line. The Chicago State Cougars are allowing 25 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29 rebounds per game.

Randy’s Pick

You would think the Mercer Bears naturally have more talent entering this matchup, but their opening contest wasn’t all that encroaching. Mercer lost to a non division 1 team and couldn’t get anything going on the offensive side. The Chicago State Cougars returned their two key players from last season, and they hung around with Bowling Green for about a half or so. At home, Chicago State has to look at this as a chance to steal a win. I’ll take my chances with the Cougars and the free bucket.