NCAAB · Final

Furman Edges Mercer in Thrilling Finish

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 12:00 PM ET · Timmons Arena

Furman Paladins 74, Mercer Bears 72, 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 Furman Paladins?

Furman Paladins beat Mercer Bears 74-72 at Timmons Arena on December 31, 2025.

Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs Furman Paladins?

Furman Paladins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Furman Paladins narrowly defeated the Mercer Bears with a final score of 74-72. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, particularly as Furman extended their home winning streak to six games, improving their overall home record to 11-4. The Paladins have been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten games, with a remarkable average of 80.1 points scored per game while allowing 69.5 points. Their recent performance includes a five-game winning streak, underscoring their dominance at Timmons Arena.

Mercer, on the other hand, has had a mixed run lately, holding a record of 6-4 in their last ten outings. Their scoring average stands at 83.4 points per game, but they have also been conceding an average of 74.0 points. The Bears' recent victory against the Baptist (FL) Eagles, where they won decisively 122-49, highlights their potential, but they have struggled in away games, with a 2-4 record on the road.

Historically, Furman has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Mercer, winning both encounters in the current season. The first matchup took place on January 25, 2025, where Furman emerged victorious with a score of 79-74, followed by a commanding 96-72 win on February 13, 2025. This trend continued in the latest game, reinforcing Furman's dominance over Mercer.

In terms of player availability, both teams faced some challenges. However, the block does not specify any key injuries impacting the game, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. The conditions at Timmons Arena were conducive to a competitive game, with the venue providing a familiar environment for the Paladins.

The betting odds from DraftKings indicated a close contest, with Furman favored by 2.5 points. The total points line was set at 154.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair given both teams' offensive capabilities.

As the game unfolded, it became a tense battle down the stretch. Key moments included Asa Thomas making crucial free throws to extend Furman’s lead, alongside significant contributions from Baraka Okojie, who hit a critical three-pointer to keep Mercer within striking distance. The final minutes saw both teams exchanging leads, but it was Furman's Alex Wilkins who sealed the game with a decisive jumper, ensuring the Paladins' victory.

For viewers, the match was a showcase of strategic play and clutch performances, particularly in the closing moments. The ability of both teams to execute under pressure added to the excitement, making this matchup a memorable one in the NCAAB season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	FUR -2.5	154.5 o -110 / u -110	Mercer Bears +124 · Furman Paladins -148

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsAlex Wilkins20Furman Paladins
AssistsAlex Wilkins7Furman Paladins
ReboundsCharles Johnston12Furman Paladins
PointsBaraka Okojie22Mercer Bears
AssistsBaraka Okojie3Mercer Bears
ReboundsArmani Mighty13Mercer Bears

Recent form

Furman Paladins

Last 10: 8-2Streak W580.1 scored · 69.5 allowed per game6-0 at home

W84-76vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersDec 21
W75-68at Manhattan JaspersDec 19
W105-57vs Bob Jones BruinsDec 9
W79-69vs Harvard CrimsonDec 6
W97-88at Elon PhoenixDec 4
L65-72at Illinois State RedbirdsNov 28
W73-72vs Richmond SpidersNov 27
W90-79vs Queens University RoyalsNov 23
W79-44vs Ohio Christian TrailblazersNov 19
L54-70at Northern Iowa PanthersNov 15

Mercer Bears

Last 10: 6-4Streak W183.4 scored · 74 allowed per game2-4 away

W122-49vs Baptist (Fl) EaglesDec 28
L78-84at Washington State CougarsDec 20
L63-81at UCF KnightsDec 18
L63-70at Clemson TigersDec 13
W100-50vs Oglethorpe Stormy PetrelsDec 7
W78-67vs Georgia State PanthersDec 3
W91-84at Elon PhoenixNov 29
W75-67vs App State MountaineersNov 26
W95-83at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 22
L69-105at Winthrop EaglesNov 15

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	Furman Paladins
Field goals	29-70	26-59
Field goal %	41	44
Three-pointers	7-20	9-23
Three-point %	35	39
Free throws	7-9	13-22
Free throw %	78	59
Rebounds	37	41
Offensive rebounds	14	13
Defensive rebounds	23	28
Assists	9	16
Steals	8	3
Blocks	8	1
Turnovers	7	11
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	15	9
Fast-break points	10	17
Points in the paint	38	28
Fouls	14	9
Largest lead	3	9
Lead changes	8	8
Time in front	12	82

How the scoring went

1st Half35-36Tom House makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half35-39Asa Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alex Wilkins assists)
2nd Half38-39Zaire Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brady Shoulders assists)
2nd Half38-42Asa Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Charles Johnston assists)
2nd Half38-44Ben Vander Wal makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Alex Wilkins assists)
2nd Half38-47Alex Wilkins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ben Vander Wal assists)
2nd Half40-47Connor Serven makes 6-foot jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
2nd Half42-47Armani Mighty makes 8-foot jumper (Quinton Perkins II assists)
2nd Half42-48Alex Wilkins makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half42-49Alex Wilkins makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half44-49Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes driving layup
2nd Half44-51Asa Thomas makes layup (Ben Vander Wal assists)
2nd Half46-51Connor Serven makes layup
2nd Half46-53Ben Vander Wal makes layup (Tom House assists)
2nd Half48-53Baraka Okojie makes 12-foot jumper
2nd Half50-53Zaire Williams makes driving layup
2nd Half50-55Alex Wilkins makes layup
2nd Half50-57Ben Vander Wal makes layup (Alex Wilkins assists)
2nd Half52-57Quinton Perkins II makes 13-foot jumper
2nd Half52-59Tom House makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half55-59Baraka Okojie makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half57-59Armani Mighty makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half57-60Tom House makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half57-61Tom House makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half58-61Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-61Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-63Charles Johnston makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Asa Thomas assists)
2nd Half61-63Baraka Okojie makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half61-64Charles Johnston makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-65Charles Johnston makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half61-66Ben Vander Wal makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-66Zaire Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Armani Mighty assists)
2nd Half64-69Asa Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alex Wilkins assists)
2nd Half66-69Baraka Okojie makes 18-foot jumper
2nd Half66-70Asa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half66-71Asa Thomas makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half69-71Baraka Okojie makes 25-foot three point jumper (Armani Mighty assists)
2nd Half69-72Asa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-72Brady Shoulders makes 24-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
2nd Half72-74Alex Wilkins makes 7-foot jumper