Sportsbook Promos
Mercyhurst vs San Francisco: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | December 1, 2024
Written by: Colby Marchio
Last Updated:
Read Time: 4 minutes
ncaab
This Sunday evening, the San Francisco Dons welcome the Mercyhurst Lakers for a clash of contrasting programs. The Lakers are riding high after a shocking upset over Sacramento State, while the Dons are fresh off a commanding victory against Fordham. With one of the nation’s stingiest defenses squaring off against a struggling offense, this game promises to be a slow, methodical battle where every point matters.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always free.
College Basketball 2024-25: 36-27 (+7.08 Units)
Last 7 Days: 14-8 (+5.18Units)
Mercyhurst vs San Francisco Odds
Mercyhurst vs San Francisco odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.
Spread
Mercryhurst: +28.5 (-110)
San Francisco: -28.5 (-110)
Total
Over: 133 (-115)
Under: 133 (-105)
Mercyhurst vs San Francisco Preview
Warning: This write-up may cause shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and an uneasy stomach. If you’re willing to endure these symptoms, this is the play for you.
The San Francisco Dons host the Mercyhurst Lakers this Sunday evening in what promises to be a grinding, low-scoring affair. The Lakers are riding high off a massive outright win over Sacramento State as 7.5-point underdogs, while the Dons are fresh off a dominant performance against Fordham. This matchup will be low and slow, as the total sitting in the low 130s suggests, even with Mercyhurst entering as 30-point underdogs. Both teams play at a snail’s pace—San Francisco ranks as low as 228th in tempo, while Mercyhurst crawls in at 348th.
Points will be at an absolute premium for the Lakers as they face their first top-60 opponent of the season. Their toughest test before this? Cal, ranked 111th on Bart Torvik, where they managed just 55 points. It’s worth noting that Cal plays at a much faster pace and lacks the defensive prowess San Francisco brings to the table.
Don’s Defense
The Dons are a defensive juggernaut, ranking top 50 nationally in several key categories: 2-point defense, turnover percentage, effective field goal percentage defense, and adjusted defensive efficiency. They also sit at 79th in free throw rate defense and 112th in 3-point defense. Simply put, they are a suffocating force on the defensive end, and Mercyhurst will feel every bit of it.
Lakers Lackluster Offense
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ offense is one of the worst in the nation, ranked 13th from the bottom. They struggle across the board: 311th in 2-point percentage, 310th in offensive rebounding, and 302nd in effective field goal percentage. The lone bright spot is their free throw shooting (65th nationally), but they rarely get to the line, ranking just 213th in free throw rate. Additionally, Mercyhurst doesn’t rely on the deep ball, sitting 249th in 3-point rate.
This is Mercyhurst’s first true test against a top-100 team, and after their emotional win over Sacramento State, a sluggish start feels inevitable. The Dons, on the other hand, will approach this as a tune-up game against one of Division I’s newest programs.
Expect the Lakers to struggle to reach 50 points. Take this number as low as 50, and if you can find anything above 52.5, take it immediately.
Bet: Mercyhurst Team Total Under 52.5 (-125)
BetOnline
Interested in More Content
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News
Former D1 (club) baseball player, Colby has been betting since his college days at DePaul, where he had to endure the worst collegiate basketball the Big East has ever seen. He is an advanced analytics nerd who spends his free time on Bart Torvik, Ken Pom and Batters-Box.com. He has never seen an underdog he has not liked. Hot. Corn. Bull. It does not matter the dog, he loves them all.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
More NCAAB News on Betting News
Free Betting Picks