The Maine Black Bears (2-13) will attempt to put an end to their eight-game losing streak when they take on the UMBC Retrievers (8-7) at Retriever Activities Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Maine Black Bears vs. UMBC Retrievers ATS Prediction
In the Black Bears’ last game, they were defeated by the Denver Pioneers, 63-50. Denver’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Maine. The Pioneers had a rate of 0.151, while the Black Bears posted a mark of 0.103. Maine’s Vincent Eze played well, contributing four points and 10 rebounds.
The Retrievers were blown out by the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last outing, 67-42. Marquette’s 0.467 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over UMBC, who had a rate of 0.274. With 11 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Arkel Lamar was UMBC’s leading scorer.
After the Retrievers won both contests against the Black Bears last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last contest, UMBC won 86-74. The Retrievers had a much better turnover percentage (18.4 vs. 27.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.1 vs. 30.0).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Maine. Maine ranks 334th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 23.0 percent), while the pesky defense of UMBC forces the 54th-most turnovers in the NCAA (24.4 percent).
Maine Black Bears at UMBC Retrievers Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UMBC, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UMBC ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while Maine ranks 182nd (21.1).
The Retrievers rank 67th in assists per game (14.8) while the Black Bears rank 196th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
UMBC averages 8.2 steals per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. Maine ranks 161st in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Retrievers rank 185th in rebounds per game (35.0) while the Black Bears rank 244th (31.7).
UMBC allows the 43rd-fewest blocks per game (2.9) while Maine ranks 45th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Black Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 20.0, up from 9.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Retrievers have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.0 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
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