Mercer at Alabama odds, picks and predictions
The No. 22 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) welcomes the Mercer Bears (1-2) to Coleman Coliseum Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Mercer vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Alabama is No. 22 in the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll and is coming off a 102-46 win over the South Alabama Jaguars Tuesday, closing and covering as a 20.5-point favorite. The Crimson Tide have been favored by 18-plus points in all 3 games and have covered and scored over 100 points in all 3. They are led by G Mark Sears, who is averaging 18 points per game (PPG).
Mercer lost to the Morehead State Eagles 74-66 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 4.5-point road underdog. The Bears are 1-1 in the 2 games with a spread. Their lone cover was a 66-61 win over Chicago State as a 4.5-point favorite. Mercer is 1-1 O/U. They are led by F Jalyn McCreary, who is averaging 14 PPG and shooting 55.2% from the field.
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Mercer at Alabama odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Mercer +2200 (bet $100 to win $2,200) | Alabama -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Mercer +29.5 (-110) | Alabama -29.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -118 | U: -108)
Mercer at Alabama picks and predictions
Prediction
Alabama 101, Mercer 62
Moneyline
PASS.
There's no reason to take Alabama at -10000. Plus, the Crimson Tide have dominated opponents, so avoid Mercer on the moneyline as well.
Against the spread
BET ALABAMA -29.5 (-110).
The Crimson Tide are 3-0 ATS and have used their dynamite offense to their advantage. They have wins of 28, 22, and 56 this season, covering a favorite of 22, 18 and 20.5 respectively. Alabama has been covering with ease and should here.
Mercer is 1-2 and lost to the Clark Atlanta Panthers by 7 to open the season. The Bears only have 2 players averaging more than 7 PPG, so they will not be able to keep pace with a high-tempo, high-efficiency Alabama offense.
Take ALABAMA -29.5 (-110).
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 148.5 (-118).
Alabama sits 2nd in the nation in effective field goal percentage (66.2%). It has an ultra-efficient offense, scoring 102, 102 and 105 in its 3 games. The Crimson Tide are 2-1 O/U. They have 3 players averaging over 16 points per game, so they have variety in their scoring and numerous talented scorers.
Mercer is 1-1 O/U and has scored 66 points in its last 2 games. Both the Bears top scorers shoot over 55% from the field, so they have at least efficient offensive weapons. Both teams have capable scorers and points should be on the board.
Take OVER 148.5 (-118).
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