- Matchup: Furman Paladins vs Mercer Bears
- Scheduled Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- Venue: Hawkins Arena, Macon, GA
- Broadcasting On: ESPN+
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The Mercer Bears (15-10) are set to face off against the Furman Paladins (16-9) at Hawkins Arena this Wednesday.
In their latest game, the Furman Paladins suffered a narrow defeat against UNC Greensboro, finishing at 67-64. The Paladins recorded 18 personal fouls, matching UNC Greensboro’s total. They successfully made 10 of their 19 three-point attempts. The opponents had a free throw conversion rate of 68.4%, making 13 of 19 attempts. UNC Greensboro collected 28 rebounds (with 5 offensive). They also tallied 11 assists and 7 steals. Defensively, Furman allowed their opponents to shoot 41.5% from the field, allowing 22 of 53 shots to land. The Paladins managed 13 assists, forced 9 turnovers, and secured 7 steals. They grabbed 31 rebounds overall, including 6 offensive, while their free throw shooting was at 76.5%, converting 13 of 17 attempts. Furman closed out the game with a field goal percentage of 43.4%, making 23 of 53 attempts and connecting on 5 of 19 shots from beyond the arc.
Key performer Cooper Bowser contributed significantly, netting 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting, along with 6 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. His shooting efficiency was notable at 66.7%, complemented by 2 assists.
The Furman Paladins bring a record of 16-9 for the current season. They average 12.6 turnovers per game and commit 14.9 fouls on average. Team-wise, Furman pulls down 38.6 rebounds per game and has dished out 412 assists this season, ranking 41st in Division 1 for assist totals. Their shooting from three-point territory stands at 32.1% (223 of 695), while their free throw accuracy is 67.1%. The Paladins average 76.8 points per contest, placing them 166th in Division 1, with a field goal percentage of 47.8%.
On the defensive front, the Paladins force their opponents into 10.1 turnovers each game while averaging 17.0 personal fouls. They hold opponents to 32.2% from beyond the arc and rank 89th in college basketball for points allowed per game (70.3). Furman’s defense permits a shooting rate of 42.0% (634 of 1,508) and allows opponents 32.5 rebounds per game, ranking them 139th in Division 1 for assists conceded, with 311 given up this season.
In their last outing, the Mercer Bears faced Samford and fell 69-49. Rebounding statistics showed Mercer allowed 36 boards (4 on the offensive end) to Samford. They converted 31.6% from three-point range, netting 6 of 19 attempts, while finishing 15 of 20 at the free throw line (75.0%). Samford shot 48.0% from the field, hitting 24 of 50, while Mercer struggled, shooting 16 of 59 (27.1%). In three-point shooting, the Bears made 4 of 17 attempts (23.5%). They managed to capitalize on 13 free throw attempts, taking advantage of the 16 personal fouls committed by Samford. Mercer turned the ball over 8 times while achieving 4 steals, totaling 32 rebounds (24 defensive, 8 offensive).
Baraka Okojie was a standout for the Bears, contributing 25 points in 35 minutes while recording 2 assists. He made 9 of 17 attempts for a shooting percentage of 52.9% and secured 4 rebounds.
The Mercer Bears currently hold a record of 15-10 this season. Offensively, the Bears are shooting 45.5% from the field (ranked 165th in D-1), accumulating 2,099 points this season (averaging 84.0 per game) and securing 39.3 rebounds per game. They average 14.6 assists per game (145th in college basketball) and turn the ball over 10.8 times per contest. Mercer commits 15.5 fouls per game and has a free throw percentage of 73.8%.
On the defensive side, the Bears are ranked 236th in D-1 for points per game conceded, allowing 75.5. They force their opponents into 13.4 turnovers each game and permit a shooting percentage of 42.9% from the field (ranked 118th in Division 1). Mercer gives up 34.2% on three-point attempts (226 of 661) and opponents make 72.7% of their free throw attempts. They average 12.8 assists allowed and a total of 36.8 rebounds per game, positioning them at 139th and 309th in Division 1, respectively.
Who will claim victory in this NCAA game against the spread tonight?
Pick: Choose Mercer
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