The No. 16 UMBC Retrievers (25-10) battle against the No. 9 Kansas State Wildcats (23-11) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Spectrum Center. The game begins at 7:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 18, 2018.
UMBC Retrievers vs. Kansas State Wildcats Free Prediction
In the First Round, the Retrievers dismantled the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers, 74-54. The Retrievers knocked down 10 of their 14 free throws (71.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.667 (above their season average of 0.531). With 28 points on 9-for-11 shooting, Jairus Lyles was the top scorer from either team.
The Wildcats were victorious over the No. 8 Creighton Bluejays in the First Round, 69-59. The Wildcats had a solid free throw rate of 0.280 (above their season average of 0.249) and held the Bluejays to an effective field goal percentage of 0.404 (below their season average of 0.581). Barry Brown Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Kansas State should have a substantial advantage. The upper-echelon Wildcats offense ranks 82nd in the NCAA in that metric at 0.535, while the UMBC defense is ranked 211th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.511).
UMBC Retrievers vs. Kansas State Wildcats ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kansas State, ATS Winner – Kansas State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
UMBC ranks 33rd in three-pointers attempted per game (26.2) while Kansas State ranks 221st (20.1).
The Wildcats average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 22nd in the NCAA. The Retrievers rank 157th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
UMBC ranks 184th in rebounds per game (34.8) while Kansas State ranks 301st (30.7).
The Retrievers rank 53rd in assists per game (15.5) while the Wildcats rank 99th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
Kansas State is 24th in the nation with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while UMBC is 46th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Retrievers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.8, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
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