Mercer vs East Tennessee State Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 1/25/23

The East Tennessee State Buccaneers and the Mercer Bears meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Hawkins Arena. East Tennessee State is 8-13 on the year and fresh off a win over Chattanooga. As for Mercer, they’re currently 9-12 after a loss to UNC Greensboro on Saturday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers 

East Tennessee State went 5-9 over their first 14 games this year, beating Emory & Henry, Elon, Little Rock, Mars Hill and Wofford. The Buccaneers are 3-4 since then with wins over VMI, the Citadel and Chattanooga. 

In the Chattanooga game back on Saturday, the Buccaneers were down 42-33 by halftime. East Tennessee State rebounded with a 45-20 second half and won 78-62. Jordan King led the team on 29 points with seven rebounds. 

Mercer Bears 

Over on the Mercer side, they beat Milligan, Winthrop, Robert Morris, Fairfield, Middle Georgia State, Morehead State and Troy in their first 14 games. The Bears are 2-5 since then with wins over East Tennessee State and VMI. 

Matched up against UNC Greensboro on Saturday, the Bears trailed by five points going into the second half. Mercer posted a 30-24 deficit from there and lost 59-48. Jalyn McCreary led the way on 11 points with six rebounds. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Mercer in this one. Also probably staying away. The Bears won the last time these teams got together back on January 14, taking it 68-55 at Freedom Hall Civic Center. Mercer hasn’t hit 70 points for eight straight games however, so it’s hard to imagine a one-sided blowout here if East Tennessee State is playing to their capabilities. The Buccaneers have hit 78 or more points in two of their last three and could really put up a good fight here.