App State Heads to Mercer for Midweek Game Day Matchup

In a bid to recover from a recent defeat, the App State men’s basketball team (4-3) is heading to Macon, Georgia, for a midweek showdown against Mercer (3-2). The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Hawkins Arena and will be available on ESPN+.

App State Looking to Bounce Back

The Mountaineers are seeking to rebound from an 88-53 loss against Elon. App State struggled on both ends of the floor, particularly in rebounding, where they were outmatched 45-25. Jalen Tot led the team in scoring with 14 points, including four three-pointers.

Team Stats and Performance

This season, App State has shown offensive capabilities, averaging 79.5 points in wins. However, the team struggles, averaging only 57.3 points in its losses. The Mountaineers have scored over 75 points in three of their four victories thus far.

• Points in Paint: Averaging 39.5 points per game in wins.
• Bench Contributions: 27.3 points per game from bench players.
• Successful Offense: Scored 50+ points in the paint twice this season.

Meet the Opponent: Mercer Bears

Mercer arrives with a record of 3-2, fresh off a win against Eastern Kentucky. The Bears have demonstrated strong offensive prowess, scoring over 90 points in each of their three victories.

• Top Scorers: Baraka Okojie and Quinton Perkins II both average over 15 points per game.
• Defensive Strengths: Mercer leads the Southern Conference in blocks and ranks high nationally.

Matchup History

This game marks the fifth meeting between the Mountaineers and the Bears, with Mercer holding a 4-0 edge. Notably, the teams last faced each other in 2015. This will be App State’s first visit to Mercer since 1972. Coach Kerns has not previously faced Mercer in his coaching career.

Upcoming Schedule

Following their game against Mercer, App State will continue its road journey with a matchup against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs in a neutral site game on Sunday. This contest, postponed due to Hurricane Helene, will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center at 1:30 p.m., also broadcast on ESPN+.

The Mountaineers are aiming to improve their away record and will focus on executing their game plan effectively to secure a win in Georgia.