Reinhardt vs Mercer prediction: Mercer tunes up Ridder's fast-paced attack against Reinhardt
Reinhardt calls this game an exhibition, so Mercer's first look at its new roster may not count in the standings.
- Mercer should control the game at home; how much of last season's up-tempo style carries over to a reshaped roster matters more than the margin.
- Mercer's frontcourt, with 6-foot-10 Maine transfer Keelan Steele, against a Reinhardt group led by freshmen such as Ryder Wofford.
- No spread or total has posted. Last season Mercer played at a pace of 70.8 possessions per 40 minutes, 44th of 365.
Opener or exhibition
The schedules disagree about what this game is. Reinhardt lists the Nov. 2 visit to Macon as an exhibition, while Mercer lists it as a regular upcoming event. Until the schools settle it, treat its status as unsettled.
Either way, the Bears will be on their home floor at Hawkins Arena on the day the SoCon season begins. Mercer last played in the SoCon Tournament and lost to Western Carolina 77-73. The deciding free throw came with 30 seconds left.
The style Mercer brings back
Ryan Ridder's teams have pushed the ball. Last season Mercer went 19-13, averaged 82.7 points per game (42nd nationally), and protected the ball well. Its turnover rate, meaning giveaways per 100 possessions, was 14.7, which ranked 44th.
The weak spot was the defensive glass. Mercer grabbed 67.5% of opponents' misses, which ranked 298th, so second chances were the clearest gap. Those are last season's numbers, and this year's roster has changed.
New faces in Macon
The most notable addition is Keelan Steele, a 6-foot-10 forward who has committed to Mercer after four seasons at Maine. His size goes straight at last season's rebounding problem. Junior Brady Shoulders made the preseason All-SoCon team, so he is the returning name to watch.
The league expects a middle-of-the-pack year. SoCon coaches picked Mercer seventh of 10 with 47 points, and Furman was the favorite.
Reinhardt's side
Reinhardt arrives with Richard Morgan named to lead the program and freshmen including guard Trent Cothran and forward Ryder Wofford on the roster. The Eagles' last game was a loss in the AAC Tournament on Feb. 25, 2026, which the school called a heartbreaker. For Reinhardt, this trip is a chance to see Division I speed. For Mercer, it is a chance to find out which of its new rotation pieces is ready.
Key players
- Keelan Steele (Mercer): A 6-foot-10 forward with four seasons at Maine, he gives Mercer size where it ranked 298th in defensive rebounding last season.
- Brady Shoulders (Mercer): A preseason All-SoCon pick on a team the league's coaches picked seventh of 10.
Numbers that matter
| Mercer pace, last season | 70.8 | Possessions per 40 minutes, 44th of 365, a fast tempo that a newcomer can push. |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer defensive rebound %, last season | 67.5% | Ranked 298th, the clearest weakness Steele's size could address. |
| Mercer turnover rate, last season | 14.7 | Ranked 44th, so ball security was a strength of Ridder's offense. |
| SoCon preseason poll | seventh | Mercer's projected finish among 10 teams, with 47 points. |
Reinhardt vs Mercer: quick answers
When is Reinhardt vs Mercer?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET.