Chattanooga Mocs Edge Mercer Bears in Close Contest
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · McKenzie Arena
Chattanooga Mocs 79, Mercer Bears 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Mercer Bears vs Chattanooga Mocs?
Chattanooga Mocs beat Mercer Bears 79-75 at McKenzie Arena on February 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs Chattanooga Mocs?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Chattanooga Mocs triumphed over the Mercer Bears with a final score of 79-75 at McKenzie Arena. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it breaks a four-game losing streak for the Mocs, who have struggled recently with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. The Mocs averaged 71.9 points scored but allowed 76.0 points during this stretch, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Bears, who came into the game with a record of 7-3 over their last ten, had been scoring impressively at an average of 88.7 points while allowing 78.4 points, showcasing their offensive firepower.
Chattanooga's recent form had been concerning, particularly at home where they held a record of 1-3 in their last four games. Their last five games saw them average just 69.0 points while allowing 76.0 points, emphasizing the need for a strong performance against Mercer. The Mocs had previously faced tough competition, losing to teams like Furman and Wofford, which added pressure to their home performance against the Bears.
Mercer entered the game with a solid away record of 2-3 in their last five games, having recently secured victories against VMI and UNC Greensboro. However, they were looking to improve their performance on the road after a mixed bag of results. The Bears had faced the Mocs in previous matchups, winning two out of three encounters in the 2025 season, including a notable win on March 8, 2025, where they defeated Chattanooga 76-61.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Bears were favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 155.5. This reflected the expectation of a competitive game, although the Mocs' home-court advantage could not be overlooked.
The conditions at McKenzie Arena were conducive to a high-scoring game, and both teams showcased their offensive capabilities throughout the contest. The Mocs' ability to secure this win will be a significant boost for their confidence as they look to build momentum moving forward. The scoring plays were pivotal in the second half, with key contributions from players like Jordan Frison, who hit a crucial three-pointer, and Teddy Washington Jr., who made important free throws down the stretch.
As the final whistle blew, the Mocs celebrated a hard-fought victory, ending their losing streak and demonstrating resilience against a strong Mercer team. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where every game can shift the narrative for teams battling for positioning in their respective leagues.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -4.5 | 155.5 o -108 / u -112 | Mercer Bears -205 · Chattanooga Mocs +170 |
Leaders
- PointsTate Darner18Chattanooga Mocs
- AssistsBrennan Watkins3Chattanooga Mocs
- ReboundsTeddy Washington Jr.6Chattanooga Mocs
- PointsBaraka Okojie19Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie6Mercer Bears
- ReboundsBrady Shoulders10Mercer Bears
Recent form
Chattanooga Mocs
Last 10: 3-7Streak L471.9 scored · 76 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L70-75at Furman PaladinsFeb 1
- L55-81vs Wofford TerriersJan 29
- L64-75at Samford BulldogsJan 24
- L66-67vs East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 22
- W90-82at Western Carolina CatamountsJan 17
- W76-67at Wofford TerriersJan 14
- W88-79vs Samford BulldogsJan 10
- L67-78vs Furman PaladinsJan 7
- L71-79at VMI KeydetsJan 3
- L72-77at UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 1
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 7-3Streak W288.7 scored · 78.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- W95-81vs VMI KeydetsJan 31
- W95-77vs UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 30
- L77-80at Wofford TerriersJan 24
- W88-76vs Western Carolina CatamountsJan 22
- W102-92at UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 17
- W77-67at VMI KeydetsJan 15
- W109-97vs Wofford TerriersJan 10
- W101-63vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 8
- L71-77at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 3
- L72-74at Furman PaladinsDec 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Mercer Bears | Chattanooga Mocs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-58 | 25-46 |
| Field goal % | 31 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 6-24 | 10-22 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 45 |
| Free throws | 33-43 | 19-25 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 22 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 28 |
| Fouls | 19 | 29 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 52 | 32 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-44Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-46Tate Darner makes layup (Brennan Watkins assists)
- 2nd Half53-46Connor Serven makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-46Connor Serven makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-49Brennan Watkins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Houston Holland assists)
- 2nd Half54-52Houston Holland makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brennan Watkins assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Brennan Watkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-54Brennan Watkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-56Teddy Washington Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half55-56Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-56Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Tate Darner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Tate Darner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-58Brady Shoulders makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-58Brady Shoulders makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Jikari Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tate Darner assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Brennan Watkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Brennan Watkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-63Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64Teddy Washington Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Teddy Washington Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66Teddy Washington Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half66-69Tate Darner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Frison assists)
- 2nd Half66-71Jordan Frison makes layup
- 2nd Half67-71Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-73Jordan Frison makes layup
- 2nd Half70-73Connor Serven makes 24-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half70-76Jordan Frison makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half71-76Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-76Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-76Zaire Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half74-77Teddy Washington Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Teddy Washington Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-78Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-79Tate Darner makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Chattanooga Mocs, below favours Mercer Bears.
Venue
- McKenzie ArenaChattanooga, TN
- Attendance3183
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Hunter Allen, Chuck McCoy
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond