Mercer Bears Defeat VMI Keydets 77-67 in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Cameron Hall
Mercer Bears 77, VMI Keydets 67, 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 VMI Keydets?
Mercer Bears beat VMI Keydets 77-67 at Cameron Hall on January 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs VMI Keydets?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -470 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a compelling matchup in NCAAB, the Mercer Bears secured a 77-67 victory over the VMI Keydets at Cameron Hall. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Bears' ability to bounce back from recent setbacks, while the Keydets continued to struggle in their campaign. The win improved Mercer’s record to 11-7, while VMI fell to 6-12.
Mercer entered the game with a mixed recent form, having a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They were on a two-game winning streak, scoring an impressive average of 85.7 points while allowing 71.2 points per game during this stretch. Their last two games included a high-scoring 109-97 win against the Wofford Terriers and a dominant 101-63 victory over The Citadel Bulldogs. In contrast, VMI had struggled significantly, winning only 3 of their last 10 games, with a record of 3-7. They had lost their last two games, including a 69-48 defeat against Furman and an 81-67 loss to East Tennessee State. VMI averaged 69.2 points scored and 74.3 points allowed in their last ten games.
At home, VMI had a record of 3-2, while their away performance was a stark contrast, with an 0-5 record. Mercer, on the other hand, had been strong at home with a perfect 5-0 record, but struggled away, also holding an 0-5 record. This game marked the continuation of a competitive series between the two teams, with their previous meetings resulting in a split: Mercer won 80-71 in their last encounter on February 15, 2025, while VMI had edged out a 70-67 victory earlier in the season on January 4, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, which can often be a crucial factor in determining a team’s performance. However, both teams were likely to have fielded their best available players for this important matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, indicated Mercer as the favorite with a spread of 8.5 points. The total points line was set at 153.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. The moneyline suggested a significant expectation for a Mercer victory, with odds of -470 for the Bears and +360 for the Keydets.
The game conditions were not detailed, but the atmosphere at Cameron Hall typically provides a competitive edge for the home team. Fans witnessed an engaging contest where Mercer managed to maintain control after establishing a lead, ultimately outscoring VMI in crucial moments during the second half.
Key moments in the game included free throws by Zaire Williams, who extended Mercer’s lead to 71-62 before VMI could respond. Brady Shoulders made a notable contribution with a layup and a dunk that pushed the Bears further ahead to 77-64, effectively sealing the game. VMI's Linus Holmstrom attempted to rally the team with a three-point jumper, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, the game highlighted Mercer’s offensive prowess and VMI’s ongoing struggles, particularly in their defensive efforts. The Bears’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their strong performance on the boards allowed them to secure the win, while VMI will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -8.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | Mercer Bears -470 · VMI Keydets +360 |
Leaders
- PointsLinus Holmstrom18VMI Keydets
- AssistsTan Yildizoglu5VMI Keydets
- ReboundsKaden Stuckey6VMI Keydets
- PointsBrady Shoulders20Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie7Mercer Bears
- ReboundsArmani Mighty25Mercer Bears
Recent form
VMI Keydets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L269.2 scored · 74.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L48-69at Furman PaladinsJan 10
- L67-81at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 8
- W79-71vs Chattanooga MocsJan 3
- L58-78vs Samford BulldogsJan 1
- L90-97at Radford HighlandersDec 21
- W86-70vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsDec 9
- W89-36vs Christendom CrusadersDec 6
- L57-82at UCF KnightsNov 29
- L48-81vs Bowling Green FalconsNov 26
- L70-78at Buffalo BullsNov 24
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak W285.7 scored · 71.2 allowed per game0-5 away
- 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
- W78-67vs Georgia State PanthersDec 3
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 | VMI Keydets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-63 | 25-63 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 3-21 | 14-36 |
| Three-point % | 14 | 39 |
| Free throws | 18-24 | 3-4 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 50 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 22 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 15 |
| Assists | 12 | 14 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 18 |
| Fouls | 8 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 68 | 22 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-39Brady Shoulders makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half40-39Armani Mighty makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half40-42TJ Johnson makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-42Armani Mighty makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-45Cal Liston makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mario Tatum Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half44-45Armani Mighty makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-48Walker Andrews makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tan Yildizoglu assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Brady Shoulders makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half47-48Brady Shoulders makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-49Kaden Stuckey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-49Connor Serven makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-49Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51TJ Johnson makes 2-foot dunk (Mario Tatum Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Linus Holmstrom makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-53Connor Serven makes 3-foot dunk (Zaire Williams assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Linus Holmstrom makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mario Tatum Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Zaire Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Armani Mighty assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Tan Yildizoglu makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-58Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Armani Mighty makes layup
- 2nd Half61-58Zaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Zaire Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Armani Mighty makes 3-foot dunk (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half66-60Brady Shoulders makes layup (Connor Serven assists)
- 2nd Half67-60Brady Shoulders makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-60Connor Serven makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-60Connor Serven makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-62Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-62Zaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-62Zaire Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Kaden Stuckey makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-64Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-64Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-64Brady Shoulders makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half77-64Brady Shoulders makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half77-67Linus Holmstrom makes 23-foot three point jumper (AJ Clark assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours VMI Keydets, below favours Mercer Bears.
Venue
- Cameron HallLexington, VA
- Attendance1276
- OfficialsJosh White, Jordan Arnold, Kyle Stewart
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