- Matchup: Western Carolina Catamounts vs Mercer Bears
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Venue: Hawkins Arena, Macon, GA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Wednesday, the Western Carolina Catamounts (6-11) will travel to Hawkins Arena to challenge the Mercer Bears (12-7).
The Catamounts recently squared off against Chattanooga, ending the game with a 90-82 defeat. In terms of fouls, Western Carolina recorded 19, while Chattanooga had 14. The Catamounts successfully hit 16 of their 31 attempts from beyond the arc. Chattanooga showcased impressive free throw shooting, converting 18 out of 19 attempts for a 94.7% success rate. On the boards, they collected 25 rebounds, including 2 offensive ones. Additionally, Chattanooga distributed 16 assists and made 2 steals during the game. Defensively, Western Carolina allowed their opponent a shooting percentage of 52.8%, as Chattanooga shot 28 for 53. The Catamounts notched up 13 assists and forced 7 turnovers while pocketing 5 steals. Rebounding was another highlight for them, as they secured 30 total boards, including 12 offensive. At the free throw line, Western Carolina converted 13 of 21 attempts, achieving a 61.9% success rate. Overall, they posted a field goal percentage of 45.5% (30 of 66) and made 9 of their 25 three-point shots.
Julien Soumaoro was a standout in that matchup, scoring 17 points on 6 of 14 shooting while notching up 4 rebounds and an assist in 34 minutes played.
As they prepare for this game, Western Carolina holds a 6-11 record for the season. They turn the ball over 13.0 times per game and commit 20.1 personal fouls on average. The Catamounts are grabbing 39.5 rebounds per game and have dished out 230 assists this season, placing them 296th nationally in assists. They are shooting 31.8% from beyond the arc (134 of 422) and hitting 69.2% from the charity stripe. Their scoring average stands at 77.2 points per game, ranking 175th in Division 1, while shooting 44.0% from the field.
Defensively, the Catamounts force 11.6 turnovers per game while drawing 15.8 personal fouls. They rank 131st in college basketball for assists allowed, with 234 total for the year. Their defense is permitting an opponent shooting percentage of 46.0% (453 of 985), allowing 34.1 rebounds per game. Furthermore, they concede 38.1% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 327th nationally in points per game allowed at 80.6.
In their recent clash, the Mercer Bears secured a victory against UNC Greensboro, winning 102-92. They tallied 20 defensive and 8 offensive rebounds for a total of 28. Despite committing 15 turnovers, they managed to grab 5 steals. UNC Greensboro accrued 26 fouls, leading to 41 free throw attempts for Mercer, who converted 30 for a 73.2% success rate. Mercer was also efficient from beyond the arc, making 10 of 20 attempts (50.0%). Overall, they shot 31 of 51 from the field, achieving a remarkable 60.8% shooting percentage. On the other hand, UNC Greensboro shot 32 of 63, marking a 50.8% rate overall. Mercer finished with 44.0% accuracy from three-point range, connecting on 11 of 25 shots, and hit 17 of 23 from the free throw line (73.9%). They limited UNC Greensboro to just 19 total rebounds (5 offensive).
Baraka Okojie shined for the Bears, contributing 25 points in 33 minutes and dishing out 3 assists. He posted a shooting rate of 35.7% on 5 of 14 shooting and collected 3 rebounds.
This season, Mercer holds a 12-7 win-loss record. Offensively, they enjoy a shooting percentage of 46.9%, ranking 99th in Division 1. They have netted a total of 1,620 points this season, averaging 85.3 points per game, along with 39.2 rebounds per game. With 14.9 assists per game, Mercer ranks 138th nationally, and they turn the ball over 11.3 times per contest. The Bears accrue an average of 15.5 personal fouls per game while holding a free throw shooting percentage of 72.9%.
Mercer’s defense allows 33.5% shooting from three-point range (165 of 492), with opponents converting 71.6% of their free throw attempts. They yield 12.8 assists and 37.2 total rebounds per game, ranking 142nd and 311th in their respective categories defensively. Additionally, the Bears are 223rd in points allowed per game with an average of 75.0. They force 13.8 turnovers per game and restrict opponents to 42.4% shooting from the field, ranking 113th nationally.
Which team will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Back Western Carolina
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