Mercer Bears Defeat UNC Greensboro Spartans 102-92
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · First Horizon Coliseum
Mercer Bears 102, UNC Greensboro Spartans 92, 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 UNC Greensboro Spartans?
Mercer Bears beat UNC Greensboro Spartans 102-92 at First Horizon Coliseum on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs UNC Greensboro Spartans?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a high-scoring encounter, the Mercer Bears triumphed over the UNC Greensboro Spartans with a final score of 102-92 at First Horizon Coliseum. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the contrasting records of the two teams, with Mercer boasting a 12-7 record compared to UNC Greensboro's 7-12. The game highlighted Mercer's offensive prowess, as they averaged 85.6 points in their last ten games, while UNC Greensboro had a scoring average of 82.5 in the same span.
Both teams entered the game with different recent forms. The Spartans had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, currently riding a one-game winning streak after defeating The Citadel Bulldogs 69-66. In contrast, the Bears were on a three-game winning streak, having recently defeated the VMI Keydets 77-67. Mercer’s offensive output was impressive, with their last five games averaging 86.0 points scored, while allowing 75.6 points.
At home, UNC Greensboro had a solid record of 5-1, while their away performance was less favorable at 1-3. Conversely, Mercer had a perfect home record of 4-0 but struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. This game was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings in the league.
In their previous meetings, the two teams were evenly matched, each winning one game against the other in the 2025 season. The most recent encounter prior to this game saw Mercer winning 78-61 on February 22, 2025, while UNC Greensboro narrowly lost 78-79 in their earlier matchup on January 23, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but the impact of injuries can often be significant in such tightly contested games. The betting market reflected Mercer's status as favorites, with DraftKings pricing them at -5.5 on the spread and -270 on the money line, while UNC Greensboro was set at +220. The total for the game was set at 155.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Conditions during the game were conducive to scoring, as both teams capitalized on offensive opportunities. Key moments in the second half included Connor Serven and Baraka Okojie making crucial free throws for Mercer, while Lilian Marville and Donald Whitehead Jr. contributed with significant three-pointers to maintain their lead.
Overall, this game was a testament to the Bears' offensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, which ultimately led them to victory over the Spartans.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -5.5 | 155.5 o -112 / u -108 | Mercer Bears -270 · UNC Greensboro Spartans +220 |
Leaders
- PointsKJ Younger21UNC Greensboro Spartans
- AssistsLilian Marville4UNC Greensboro Spartans
- ReboundsJustin Neely7UNC Greensboro Spartans
- PointsBaraka Okojie25Mercer Bears
- AssistsBrady Shoulders5Mercer Bears
- ReboundsArmani Mighty13Mercer Bears
Recent form
UNC Greensboro Spartans
Last 10: 6-4Streak W182.5 scored · 74.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W69-66vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 16
- L60-86at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 10
- L85-97at Wofford TerriersJan 7
- W89-82vs Samford BulldogsJan 3
- W77-72vs Chattanooga MocsJan 1
- W131-53vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsDec 21
- L65-71vs North Carolina A&T AggiesDec 17
- W90-62vs William Peace PacersDec 13
- W82-78at East Carolina PiratesDec 6
- L77-82at UNC Asheville BulldogsDec 3
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak W385.6 scored · 71.2 allowed per game1-5 away
- 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
- 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
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 | UNC Greensboro Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-51 | 32-63 |
| Field goal % | 61 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 10-20 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 44 |
| Free throws | 30-41 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 14 |
| Assists | 12 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 34 |
| Fouls | 18 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 98 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half77-58Connor Serven makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half77-60Valentino Pinedo makes layup (Lilian Marville assists)
- 2nd Half80-60Quinton Perkins II makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half82-60Tristan Gross makes layup (Quinton Perkins II assists)
- 2nd Half82-63Clinton Efinda makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half82-65Lilian Marville makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-66Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-66Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-66Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-66Armani Mighty makes 3-foot dunk (Kyle Cuffe Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half87-66Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-66Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-67Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-68Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-70KJ Younger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half88-72Justin Neely makes layup
- 2nd Half89-72Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-72Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-74Lilian Marville makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half90-75KJ Younger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-76KJ Younger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-76Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-77Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-78Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-80KJ Younger makes layup
- 2nd Half91-81Valentino Pinedo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half92-81Zaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half93-81Zaire Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half93-83Valentino Pinedo makes layup
- 2nd Half94-83Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half95-83Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-83Connor Serven makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half97-83Connor Serven makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half98-83Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half98-86Lilian Marville makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half99-86Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half100-86Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half100-89Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lilian Marville assists)
- 2nd Half102-89Armani Mighty makes 3-foot dunk (Brady Shoulders assists)
- 2nd Half102-92Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Valentino Pinedo assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UNC Greensboro Spartans, below favours Mercer Bears.
Venue
- First Horizon ColiseumGreensboro, NC
- Attendance1368
- OfficialsZelton Steed, Mike Terry, Jesse Joseph
Elsewhere
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- 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