Mercer Bears vs The Citadel Bulldogs Picks and Predictions January 7th 2026

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The Citadel Bulldogs vs Mercer Bears Betting Preview

The Citadel heads to Macon on Wednesday night for a Southern Conference matchup against Mercer. The Bulldogs enter at 3-12 and remain winless on the road, while the Bears sit at 8-7 and have yet to lose at Hawkins Arena. Market expectations reflect that gap, which you can track on the NCAA basketball odds page.

Mercer has controlled games at home through tempo and shot volume, while The Citadel continues to search for defensive consistency away from Charleston.

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Line Movement and Odds

Mercer opened as a large home favorite and currently sits at −15.5, with The Citadel catching points as a road underdog. The total is posted in the high-140s, reflecting Mercer’s offensive output balanced against The Citadel’s slower pace. For additional matchup context across the slate, visit the college basketball previews page.

Early action has leaned toward Mercer on the moneyline, while spread bettors continue to evaluate The Citadel’s scoring efficiency.

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Matchup Breakdown

The Citadel’s path to staying competitive starts with shot-making. The Bulldogs shot over 53 percent from the floor in their last game and rank inside the top 100 nationally in made three-pointers per game. Braxton Williams leads the offense, while Sola Adebisi anchors the glass. If The Citadel covers, it comes from efficient shooting and limiting Mercer’s second-chance looks.

Mercer relies on balance and volume. The Bears average 82.1 points per game and rank near the top nationally in shot attempts, which creates steady pressure across 40 minutes. Baraka Okojie drives scoring and playmaking, while Armani Mighty controls the boards. At home, Mercer has consistently worn teams down with pace and depth.

For additional trend-based angles, the free college basketball picks section offers supporting data.

Injuries and Conditions

The Citadel

No major rotation injuries reported.
Full details: The Citadel team page

Mercer

No major rotation injuries reported.

Indoor setting keeps the focus on efficiency and pace rather than external factors.

Best Bets and Prediction

Mercer should control the game at home, but the size of the spread opens the door for a backdoor cover. The Citadel’s three-point volume and recent shooting efficiency make them viable as a large underdog.

Projected Score: Mercer 80, The Citadel 68
Best Bet: The Citadel +15.5
Secondary Lean: Under 147.5 due to pace and road efficiency concerns

For totals strategy and tempo-based betting concepts, reference the Bettors Handbook.

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