Mercer Bears Defeat VMI Keydets 95-81 in NCAAB Clash
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Hawkins Arena
Mercer Bears 95, VMI Keydets 81, 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 VMI Keydets vs Mercer Bears?
Mercer Bears beat VMI Keydets 95-81 at Hawkins Arena on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in VMI Keydets vs Mercer Bears?
Mercer Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2400 (about 96% implied). The favorite won.
The Mercer Bears secured a decisive victory against the VMI Keydets, winning 95-81 in a game that showcased the Bears' offensive prowess and the Keydets' ongoing struggles. This matchup was particularly noteworthy due to the contrasting records of the two teams, with Mercer holding a home record of 15-8 compared to VMI's away record of just 6-17.
In their recent form, Mercer has been performing well, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last 10 games and currently on a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 91.4 points scored while allowing 75.2 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games reflect a strong offensive output, with an average of 87.8 points scored and 78.4 points allowed. In contrast, VMI has struggled significantly, with a dismal record of 1-9 in their last 10 games and on a seven-game losing streak. They have averaged only 66.9 points scored while allowing 80.8 points per game in that same span, and their last five games have seen them score an average of just 65.4 points while conceding 82.4.
At home, Mercer has been particularly formidable, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games. VMI, however, has not fared well on the road, with an away record of 0-5 in their last five games. This home advantage was evident in the matchup, as Mercer controlled the game throughout.
Historically, Mercer has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with VMI, leading the head-to-head record 2-1 over the last three matchups. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on January 15, 2026, where Mercer also emerged victorious with a score of 77-67. The previous season saw Mercer lose to VMI at home, 71-80, but they managed to win the other matchup earlier that season, 70-67.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams suggests that Mercer was able to field a strong lineup while VMI's struggles may have been exacerbated by their recent form.
The betting market reflected Mercer's dominance, with DraftKings setting the spread at -18.5 in favor of Mercer and a total of 153.5 points for the game. The odds for Mercer to win outright were listed at -2400, while VMI's odds stood at 1200, indicating a strong belief in Mercer's ability to secure the win.
The game took place at Hawkins Arena, where the conditions favored the home team. Viewers were treated to a high-scoring affair, with Mercer displaying their offensive capabilities, particularly in the second half. Key moments included a 24-foot three-point jumper by Kyle Cuffe Jr. and a series of free throws by Baraka Okojie that helped seal the victory for Mercer.
Overall, this game highlighted the stark differences in the two teams' current trajectories, with Mercer continuing to build momentum while VMI seeks to turn around their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MER -18.5 | 153.5 o -108 / u -112 | VMI Keydets +1200 · Mercer Bears -2400 |
Leaders
- PointsBaraka Okojie24Mercer Bears
- AssistsBaraka Okojie7Mercer Bears
- ReboundsBrady Shoulders12Mercer Bears
- PointsTJ Johnson26VMI Keydets
- AssistsTan Yildizoglu10VMI Keydets
- ReboundsTJ Johnson5VMI Keydets
Recent form
Mercer Bears
Last 10: 7-3Streak W191.4 scored · 75.2 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W95-77vs UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 30
- 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
VMI Keydets
Last 10: 1-9Streak L766.9 scored · 80.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L56-80at The Citadel BulldogsJan 30
- L58-88at Western Carolina CatamountsJan 24
- L78-85vs UNC Greensboro SpartansJan 21
- L68-82vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 18
- L67-77vs Mercer BearsJan 15
- 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
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 | VMI Keydets | Mercer Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-62 | 32-64 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 16-42 | 9-31 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 29 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 22-29 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 31 |
| Assists | 18 | 21 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 40 |
| Fouls | 20 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 12 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-54Cal Liston makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tan Yildizoglu assists)
- 2nd Half48-57Brady Shoulders makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zaire Williams assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Linus Holmstrom makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-57Kaden Stuckey makes layup
- 2nd Half56-57TJ Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tan Yildizoglu assists)
- 2nd Half59-57Linus Holmstrom makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mario Tatum Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-60Zaire Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tristan Gross assists)
- 2nd Half60-60TJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-60Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half62-62Connor Serven makes layup (Kyle Cuffe Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half63-62Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-64Zaire Williams makes layup (Connor Serven assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Baraka Okojie makes 12-foot jumper (Connor Serven assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Mario Tatum Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tan Yildizoglu assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Connor Serven makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-68Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half69-69Armani Mighty makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-69Linus Holmstrom makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Linus Holmstrom makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-71Baraka Okojie makes layup
- 2nd Half71-72Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-74Armani Mighty makes 3-foot dunk (Brady Shoulders assists)
- 2nd Half74-74Linus Holmstrom makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tan Yildizoglu assists)
- 2nd Half74-76Brady Shoulders makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half74-78Connor Serven makes layup (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half74-79Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-82Baraka Okojie makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half76-82Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half76-84Armani Mighty makes 1-foot dunk (Brady Shoulders assists)
- 2nd Half76-86Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Baraka Okojie assists)
- 2nd Half76-89Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brady Shoulders assists)
- 2nd Half78-89Tan Yildizoglu makes layup (Cal Liston assists)
- 2nd Half78-90Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-91Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-93Kyle Cuffe Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half81-93Tan Yildizoglu makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-94Baraka Okojie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-95Baraka Okojie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Mercer Bears, below favours VMI Keydets.
Venue
- Hawkins ArenaMacon, GA
- Attendance1520
- OfficialsDevyn Page, Luke Payne, Jordan Craddock
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