Tulane vs Mercer: Women’s College Basketball Betting Odds and Predictions

The Tulane Green Wave women’s basketball team is set to face off against the Mercer Bears on December 15, 2024, at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse, New Orleans, Louisiana. Both teams come into this game with contrasting recent performances, making this matchup an intriguing one for college basketball fans.

Tulane, with a balanced scoring approach led by Sherese Pittman, will look to build on their recent win against North Dakota State. Meanwhile, Mercer aims to rebound from a tough loss to Georgia Tech.

Here’s a detailed preview and prediction for this exciting clash.

Game Overview

The Tulane Green Wave, currently holding a 4-4 record, will host the Mercer Bears, who have struggled with a 4-7 record this season.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET.

Tulane comes into this game on the back of a 67-61 victory over North Dakota State, with Sherese Pittman leading the charge with 22 points and eight rebounds.

On the other hand, Mercer is looking to bounce back after a heavy 78-42 defeat to Georgia Tech, where Ariana Bennett and Ashlee Locke were the top performers for the Bears.

Tulane’s Strengths

The Green Wave has shown a positive scoring differential this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 4.3 points per game.

Tulane is putting up an impressive 71.9 points per game, ranking them 94th in college basketball.

Their defense, however, allows 67.6 points per game, which places them at 261st in the nation.

Sherese Pittman has been the standout player, averaging 14.9 points per game, making her the leading scorer for Tulane and ranking 190th nationally.

Mercer’s Challenges

Mercer has faced significant challenges this season, as evidenced by their -98 scoring differential. The Bears are being outscored by 8.9 points per game, primarily due to their offensive struggles.

Mercer averages just 52.9 points per game, placing them at 341st in college basketball.

Defensively, they are somewhat better, allowing 61.8 points per game, ranking 150th nationally. Ariana Bennett leads the team with an average of 9.2 points per game, which ranks her 920th in the country.

Key Players to Watch

Sherese Pittman (Tulane): Pittman has been a pivotal player for the Green Wave, consistently delivering strong performances.

Her ability to score and rebound effectively makes her a crucial player for Tulane. Pittman’s 14.9 points per game and her leadership on the court will be vital for Tulane’s success in this game.

Ariana Bennett (Mercer): Despite Mercer’s overall struggles, Bennett has been a bright spot for the Bears.

She leads the team in scoring with 9.2 points per game. Her performance will be key if Mercer hopes to challenge Tulane and secure a much-needed victory.

Team Comparisons

When comparing the two teams, Tulane clearly has the edge in offensive production, averaging nearly 20 points more per game than Mercer.

Defensively, Mercer has been slightly better, but their offensive struggles have significantly impacted their overall performance.

Tulane’s balanced approach, with contributions from multiple players, makes them a more formidable opponent.

Here are some key statistics for both teams:

• Tulane: 71.9 points per game (94th in college basketball)
• Mercer: 52.9 points per game (341st in college basketball)
• Tulane: 67.6 points allowed per game (261st in college basketball)
• Mercer: 61.8 points allowed per game (150th in college basketball)

Game Prediction

Based on the current form and statistical analysis, Tulane is favored to win this game.

The Green Wave’s superior offensive capabilities and balanced team performance give them a significant advantage over Mercer.

The prediction for this game is a 72-56 victory for Tulane, as they aim to continue their positive momentum and improve their season record.

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Tulane and Mercer promises to be an exciting contest. Both teams are looking to make a statement.

Tulane, with their strong offensive play and key contributions from players like Sherese Pittman, are in a good position to secure a win. Mercer, despite their struggles, will be aiming to put up a strong fight and turn their season around.

For more detailed analysis and predictions, you can check out the full preview on Bleacher Nation.