MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — The Mercer Bears, riding high in Southern Conference play, will look to complete a regular-season sweep when they host the struggling Virginia Military Institute Keydets on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Hawkins Arena.

Mercer (14-8, 6-3 SoCon) enters the matchup with momentum, having won five of its last six games, including a dominant 95-77 victory over UNC Greensboro on Thursday. The Bears’ offense has been potent, averaging 90 points over that six-game stretch.

The Keydets (6-16, 1-8), meanwhile, are mired in an eight-game losing streak following an 80-56 road loss to The Citadel on Thursday. Defense has been a persistent issue for VMI, which has allowed an average of 80.6 points per game during the skid.

This contest is a rematch from Jan. 15 in Lexington, Va., where Mercer secured a 77-67 win. In that game, Bears guard Baraka Okojie orchestrated the offense with 11 points and seven assists. Okojie has been exceptional lately, averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists over his last seven contests. His playmaking will be central to Mercer’s attack.

VMI’s hopes will lean heavily on guard TJ Johnson, the team’s consistent scoring threat. Johnson averaged 17.5 points in January and poured in 30 points in a loss at East Tennessee State on Jan. 7. He scored 15 in the first meeting against Mercer.

The Bears have established themselves as a contender in the conference standings, while the Keydets are searching for answers to reverse their fortunes. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST at Hawkins Arena.