Western Carolina Men’s Basketball: Upcoming Matchup Against Mercer
Cullowhee, N.C. – The Western Carolina Catamounts men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting Southern Conference (SoCon) clash this Wednesday, as they travel to Macon, Georgia, to face off against the Mercer Bears. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. inside Hawkins Arena and promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for crucial conference victories.
Game Details
The matchup will be accessible to fans through ESPN+, requiring a paid subscription, with live stats available online at CatamountSports.com.
Recent Performance
Entering this game, the Catamounts have a 2-4 record within the league, recently falling 90-82 to the Chattanooga Mocs, a preseason favorite in the SoCon. The loss marked the end of a two-game home stint in Tennessee. In contrast, the Bears have been on a roll, improving to 4-2 in the SoCon after their victory over UNCG last week, which extended their winning streak to four games, including wins against The Citadel, Wofford, and VMI.
Current Standings
- Western Carolina: 6-11 overall, 2-4 SoCon
- Mercer: 12-7 overall, 4-2 SoCon
Individual Highlights
Catamounts’ forward Julien Soumaoro has been a standout, contributing significantly to his team’s performance by scoring 17 points against Chattanooga. This marked his 11th consecutive game in double figures. Additionally, Cord Stansberry and Justin Johnson each added 14 and 11 points respectively in that game, while Marcus Kell rounded out the scoring with 11 points of his own.
On average, the Catamounts have been scoring impressively, racking up 80.9 points per game since December 2, showing their offensive prowess. Kell leads the team with an average of 13.8 points per game and has consistently been a key player for Western Carolina, shooting at a remarkable 50% from the field.
Rebounding Strong
Rebounding has also been a strong point for the Catamounts, as they average 39.5 boards per game, ranking second in the SoCon. They particularly excel in offensive rebounds, averaging 13.8 per game. Freshman Samuel Dada leads this effort with 6.9 rebounds per game, showcasing remarkable potential in his debut season.
Scouting Mercer
The Mercer Bears enter the game with momentum, having won four consecutive conference games, marking them as serious contenders. Leading the charge for Mercer is junior Baraka Okojie, averaging 18.2 points per game. His ability to reach the double-digit mark in every game this season makes him a player to watch. Another pivotal player, Armani Mighty, is making waves, averaging a double-double with 13.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and has been instrumental in Mercer’s recent success.
Series History
This game marks the 33rd encounter between Western Carolina and Mercer, with the Catamounts holding a slight edge at 17-15 in their all-time series. However, Mercer has taken control of recent matchups, winning six of the last eight games played, particularly in Macon, where they have a 7-6 advantage.
Looking Forward
Following the matchup against Mercer, the Catamounts will head back to Culowhee for an important game against the VMI Keydets as part of a doubleheader, including a women’s matchup against Chattanooga. This Saturday is also special as it’s the annual Pack the RAC event, promoting a lively atmosphere at home.
Fans can stay updated with all things Catamounts through their social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, ensuring they don’t miss any of the action as the season progresses.