Wofford Edges Mercer in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 AM ET · Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium
Wofford Terriers 80, Mercer Bears 77, 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 Wofford Terriers?
Wofford Terriers beat Mercer Bears 80-77 at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Mercer Bears vs Wofford Terriers?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Wofford Terriers triumphed over the Mercer Bears with a final score of 80-77 at the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. This victory marks an important win for Wofford, especially after their previous encounter with Mercer just two weeks prior, where they suffered a 97-109 defeat. The Terriers have now improved their record to 15-7, while Mercer falls to 13-9.
Wofford's recent form has been impressive, as they have won seven of their last ten games, currently riding a two-game winning streak. Over these ten games, they have averaged 84.1 points scored per game while allowing 77.3 points. In their last five games, they have maintained a scoring average of 84.6, indicating a strong offensive performance. At home, Wofford has a record of 3-1 in their last four games, showcasing their ability to capitalize on home-court advantage.
On the other hand, Mercer has also shown resilience, winning six of their last ten games and currently enjoying a five-game winning streak. They have averaged 88.3 points scored per game during this stretch, while allowing 76.0 points. However, their away record has been less favorable, with only two wins in six attempts. This inconsistency on the road has been a concern for the Bears as they look to maintain their momentum.
The matchup had been highly anticipated, especially considering the teams' previous meetings. In addition to their recent clash, Wofford had previously defeated Mercer in two encounters last season, winning 77-66 and 69-49. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance in the series.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details regarding player availability, but it is always a factor that can influence game dynamics. The absence of key players can shift the balance in such tightly contested games.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Mercer favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 157.5. The odds reflected the close nature of the contest, with Wofford listed at +120 on the moneyline and Mercer at -142. This indicates that the bookmakers viewed Mercer as the slight favorite, but the outcome proved otherwise.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, which is reflected in the scoring averages of both teams. As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Key moments included a three-point jumper by Kyle Cuffe Jr. that brought Mercer within striking distance and a series of free throws by Kahmare Holmes that helped seal the victory for Wofford.
As the final minutes ticked away, Wofford's ability to execute under pressure became evident, with crucial assists from Baraka Okojie leading to significant baskets. The Terriers' defense also stepped up when it mattered most, limiting Mercer's scoring opportunities in the closing moments.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased the thrilling nature of college basketball, where every possession counts and games can be decided by mere points. The victory for Wofford serves as a testament to their resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -2.5 | 157.5 o -105 / u -115 | Mercer Bears -142 · Wofford Terriers +120 |
Leaders
- PointsKahmare Holmes27Wofford Terriers
- AssistsKahmare Holmes7Wofford Terriers
- ReboundsKahmare Holmes9Wofford Terriers
- PointsBaraka Okojie27Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie8Mercer Bears
- ReboundsArmani Mighty8Mercer Bears
Recent form
Wofford Terriers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W284.1 scored · 77.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W88-78vs Samford BulldogsJan 21
- W74-70at Furman PaladinsJan 17
- L67-76vs Chattanooga MocsJan 14
- L97-109at Mercer BearsJan 10
- W97-85vs UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 7
- W95-86at The Citadel BulldogsJan 3
- W79-74at Western Carolina CatamountsDec 31
- W88-54vs Union Commonwealth (KY) BulldogsDec 28
- L73-84at Wichita State ShockersDec 18
- W83-57at Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsDec 16
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak W588.3 scored · 76 allowed per game2-4 away
- 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
- W122-49vs Baptist (Fl) EaglesDec 28
- L78-84at Washington State CougarsDec 20
- L63-81at UCF KnightsDec 18
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 | Wofford Terriers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-59 | 30-64 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 8-18 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 44 |
| Free throws | 19-22 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 27 |
| Assists | 14 | 12 |
| Steals | 9 | 1 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 34 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-47Brian Sumpter makes 13-foot jumper (Cayden Vasko assists)
- 2nd Half49-47Brady Shoulders makes 24-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Kahmare Holmes makes layup
- 2nd Half51-49Baraka Okojie makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-51Kahmare Holmes makes layup
- 2nd Half51-54Nils Machowski makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kahmare Holmes assists)
- 2nd Half52-54Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-54Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-54Baraka Okojie makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-56Nils Machowski makes layup
- 2nd Half55-57Nils Machowski makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-58Nils Machowski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-60Kahmare Holmes makes layup
- 2nd Half57-60Brady Shoulders makes layup
- 2nd Half57-63Cayden Vasko makes 28-foot three point jumper (Kahmare Holmes assists)
- 2nd Half57-65Nils Machowski makes layup (Chace Watley assists)
- 2nd Half59-65Connor Serven makes 3-foot dunk (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half60-65Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-68Chace Watley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cayden Vasko assists)
- 2nd Half63-70Kahmare Holmes makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-72Kahmare Holmes makes layup
- 2nd Half63-73Kahmare Holmes makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-73Zaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-73Zaire Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-74Kahmare Holmes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-76Chace Watley makes layup (Kahmare Holmes assists)
- 2nd Half66-76Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-76Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Armani Mighty makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half72-76Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half73-76Zaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-76Connor Serven makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half75-78Kahmare Holmes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77Kahmare Holmes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Armani Mighty makes 2-foot dunk (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half77-79Chace Watley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Chace Watley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Wofford Terriers, below favours Mercer Bears.
Venue
- Jerry Richardson Indoor StadiumSpartanburg, SC
- Attendance2054
- OfficialsJon Wall, Chase Vaden, Jordan Arnold
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Mercer Bears Defeat Wofford Terriers 109-97Jan 10, 2026