Mercer Bears Defeat UNC Greensboro Spartans 95-77
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Hawkins Arena
Mercer Bears 95, UNC Greensboro Spartans 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 UNC Greensboro Spartans vs Mercer Bears?
Mercer Bears beat UNC Greensboro Spartans 95-77 at Hawkins Arena on January 29, 2026.
Who was favored in UNC Greensboro Spartans vs Mercer Bears?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -700 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Mercer Bears emerged victorious against the UNC Greensboro Spartans with a final score of 95-77 at Hawkins Arena. This game was significant as it showcased the Bears' strong home performance, improving their home record to 15-8 while the Spartans fell to 8-15 overall. The Bears have now won their last two encounters against the Spartans, having previously defeated them 102-92 on January 17, 2026.
The Bears entered this game with a 6-4 record over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak after a recent defeat to Wofford. They averaged 89.7 points scored and allowed 75.9 points during this stretch, indicating a high-scoring offense but a defense that needed improvement. In contrast, the Spartans had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games but were also on a one-game losing streak, having lost to Furman. They averaged 81.9 points scored and allowed 79.6 points, showing a slightly better defensive performance compared to their recent form.
At home, the Bears had a strong record of 4-0 in their last four games, while the Spartans struggled on the road with a 1-2 record in their last three away games. The Bears' scoring prowess was evident, particularly in their recent home games where they averaged 90.6 points scored and allowed 82.4 points in their last five games.
In terms of injury reports, the block did not specify any key injuries affecting either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this matchup. This aspect added to the competitiveness of the game, as both teams fielded their best players.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Bears significantly, with a spread of -10.5 and a moneyline of -700 for Mercer, while UNC Greensboro was set at +500. The total points line was set at 158.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game, which the final score confirmed.
Conditions in Hawkins Arena were conducive to a good game of basketball, with the atmosphere likely energized by the home crowd supporting the Bears. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive skill, particularly from Mercer, who capitalized on their home advantage.
Throughout the game, scoring plays highlighted the Bears' offensive efficiency. Notable moments included Zaire Williams making a layup assisted by Connor Serven, and Noah Norgaard hitting a 25-foot three-point jumper assisted by Clyde Bailey II. The Bears maintained control throughout the match, with their lead growing to as much as 90-73 in the second half, showcasing their ability to score effectively.
As the game concluded, the Bears' victory solidified their position in the league and demonstrated their capability to perform under pressure, especially at home. The Spartans, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -10.5 | 158.5 o -110 / u -110 | UNC Greensboro Spartans +500 · Mercer Bears -700 |
Leaders
- PointsBrady Shoulders16Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie8Mercer Bears
- ReboundsArmani Mighty14Mercer Bears
- PointsKJ Younger30UNC Greensboro Spartans
- AssistsJustin Neely4UNC Greensboro Spartans
- ReboundsJustin Neely11UNC Greensboro Spartans
Recent form
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak L189.7 scored · 75.9 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L77-80at Wofford TerriersJan 24
- 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
UNC Greensboro Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L181.9 scored · 79.6 allowed per game1-2 away
- L66-89vs Furman PaladinsJan 23
- W85-78at VMI KeydetsJan 21
- L92-102vs Mercer BearsJan 17
- 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
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 | UNC Greensboro Spartans | Mercer Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-70 | 32-68 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 10-34 | 16-40 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 40 |
| Free throws | 13-18 | 15-21 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 32 |
| Assists | 15 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 34 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 13 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-64Connor Serven makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-64KJ Younger makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-64KJ Younger makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-66Armani Mighty makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-68Armani Mighty makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Kyle Cuffe Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half41-68Justin Neely makes 13-foot jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half41-71Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zaire Williams assists)
- 2nd Half43-71Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-74Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zaire Williams assists)
- 2nd Half43-77Tristan Gross makes 23-foot three point jumper (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half45-77KJ Younger makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half45-79Bendji Pierre makes layup
- 2nd Half46-79KJ Younger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-79KJ Younger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-79KJ Younger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-79KJ Younger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noah Norgaard assists)
- 2nd Half51-80Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-81Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-81Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chane Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half54-82Bendji Pierre makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-83Bendji Pierre makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-84Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-85Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-85KJ Younger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half58-85Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-85Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-85Noah Norgaard makes layup
- 2nd Half61-86Armani Mighty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-86KJ Younger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half66-86Noah Norgaard makes layup
- 2nd Half66-88Brady Shoulders makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half69-88KJ Younger makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half69-90Zaire Williams makes layup (Connor Serven assists)
- 2nd Half71-90KJ Younger makes layup (Chane Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half73-90Chane Bynum makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-91Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-91Noah Norgaard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Clyde Bailey II assists)
- 2nd Half76-94Tristan Gross makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zaire Williams assists)
- 2nd Half77-94Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-95Jaydon Cole makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Mercer Bears, below favours UNC Greensboro Spartans.
Venue
- Hawkins ArenaMacon, GA
- Attendance973
- OfficialsRyan Christian, Trey Styons, Dan Powers
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