UCF Knights Secure Win Over Mercer Bears at Home
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Addition Financial Arena
UCF Knights 81, Mercer Bears 63, 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 UCF Knights?
UCF Knights beat Mercer Bears 81-63 at Addition Financial Arena on December 17, 2025.
Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1800 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
The UCF Knights showcased their dominance at home with an 81-63 victory over the Mercer Bears in a matchup at the Addition Financial Arena. This win extends UCF's impressive home record to 8-1 and marks their seventh consecutive victory, further solidifying their strong performance this season.
UCF entered the game with a home record of 9-1 and had been on a remarkable winning streak, averaging 88.6 points per game while allowing 77.4. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, as they have won their last five games, scoring an average of 86.8 points and allowing 71.8. The Knights' last five games included victories against teams such as Towson Tigers and VMI Keydets, demonstrating their offensive power and ability to control the game.
On the other hand, the Mercer Bears came into the contest with a record of 7-4. Despite a solid start to the season, they faced a setback with a loss in their most recent game against the Clemson Tigers, which ended 63-70. Mercer had been averaging 82.5 points per game while allowing 74.1, but their recent form showed a decline, as they had lost their last match and were 4-1 in their last five games, averaging 81.4 points while allowing 67.6.
The game was marked by UCF's offensive efficiency, which was evident from the outset. They took control early and maintained their lead throughout the contest. The Knights' scoring was led by key contributions from players like Riley Kugel, who assisted on important plays, including a 9-foot jumper by Jamichael Stillwell. UCF's ability to capitalize on free throws, with Baraka Okojie contributing to the scoreline, further emphasized their offensive prowess.
In terms of home versus away performance, UCF's home record has been a significant advantage, while Mercer has struggled on the road, with a 2-3 record away from home. This disparity was evident in the game, as UCF's home crowd provided an energetic atmosphere that likely contributed to their success.
The betting market reflected UCF's strong position heading into the game, with DraftKings listing them as 16.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 160.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. UCF's money line was set at -1800, while Mercer was at +1000, further underscoring the perceived gap in team strength.
Conditions for the game were favorable, with no significant weather or venue issues reported. The indoor setting of the Addition Financial Arena allowed for optimal playing conditions, which UCF capitalized on.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of UCF's offensive strategy, which included a mix of inside scoring and perimeter shooting. The Knights' ability to draw fouls and convert free throws played a crucial role in their victory, as they maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Mercer's attempts to close the gap were met with strong defensive stands from UCF, ensuring that the Knights remained in control until the final buzzer.
In conclusion, UCF's 81-63 victory over Mercer not only highlights their current form but also sets the tone for their upcoming games as they continue their winning streak. With a solid home record and an effective offensive strategy, the Knights are a team to watch as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCF -16.5 | 160.5 o -108 / u -112 | Mercer Bears +1000 · UCF Knights -1800 |
Leaders
- PointsJordan Burks17UCF Knights
- AssistsRiley Kugel3UCF Knights
- ReboundsJamichael Stillwell10UCF Knights
- PointsBrady Shoulders14Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie4Mercer Bears
- ReboundsArmani Mighty9Mercer Bears
Recent form
UCF Knights
Last 10: 8-2Streak W788.6 scored · 77.4 allowed per game7-1 at home
- W86-61vs Towson TigersDec 7
- W82-57vs VMI KeydetsNov 29
- W102-91vs Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 26
- W77-67vs Pittsburgh PanthersNov 21
- W87-83vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesNov 18
- W86-74at Texas A&M AggiesNov 15
- W97-60vs Florida A&M RattlersNov 12
- L93-105vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 8
- W82-78vs Hofstra PrideNov 4
- L94-98at Kansas JayhawksMar 13
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 7-3Streak L182.5 scored · 74.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- 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
- W92-77vs Lipscomb BisonsNov 9
- W101-62vs LaGrange PanthersNov 6
- L61-76at Tennessee VolunteersNov 4
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 |
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Mercer Bears | UCF Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-53 | 30-68 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 5-18 | 8-24 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 33 |
| Free throws | 18-24 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 27 |
| Assists | 7 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 34 |
| Fouls | 14 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-42Armani Mighty makes driving layup (Brady Shoulders assists)
- 2nd Half31-43Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-44Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-47Jordan Burks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamichael Stillwell assists)
- 2nd Half31-49Jeremy Foumena makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-49Armani Mighty makes 3-foot dunk (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half34-49Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-52Carmelo Pacheco makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chris Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half36-52Baraka Okojie makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half38-52Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half39-52Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-55George Beale Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamichael Stillwell assists)
- 2nd Half39-58Carmelo Pacheco makes 27-foot three point jumper (George Beale Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half42-58Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-58Tristan Gross makes layup
- 2nd Half44-60Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-62Riley Kugel makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-62Zaire Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-62Brady Shoulders makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-63Jeremy Foumena makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-64Jeremy Foumena makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-64Brady Shoulders makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-64Brady Shoulders makes layup
- 2nd Half51-67Jordan Burks makes 27-foot three point jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half53-67Brady Shoulders makes layup
- 2nd Half53-69Jamichael Stillwell makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half53-71Jamichael Stillwell makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half56-71Zaire Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half56-73Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-73Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-75Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-75Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-75Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-77Jamichael Stillwell makes 9-foot jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half60-79Riley Kugel makes layup
- 2nd Half61-79Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-81Themus Fulks makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-81Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-81Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours Mercer Bears.
Venue
- Addition Financial ArenaOrlando, FL
- Attendance5195
- OfficialsMarques Pettigrew, Chance Moore, Keith Patterson
Elsewhere
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