Maine Black Bears at UMBC Retrievers Free Prediction 01/05/19

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The Maine Black Bears (2-13) and the UMBC Retrievers (8-7) face off at Retriever Activities Center. The Black Bears will try to put an end to their eight-game losing streak. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

Maine Black Bears vs. UMBC Retrievers ATS Odds

Both teams lost in their last outing. The Retrievers lost big to the Marquette Golden Eagles, 67-42, while the Black Bears lost to the Denver Pioneers, 63-50.

Maine had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.8 vs. 21.2) while UMBC had a better turnover percentage (16.2 vs. 14.1). UMBC’s Arkel Lamar led the way, recording 11 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Maine rallied around Vincent Eze, who contributed four points and 10 rebounds.

The Retrievers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent matchup, UMBC won 86-74. The Retrievers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Black Bears. UMBC had a rate of 18.4, while Maine posted a mark of 27.9. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Maine. Maine ranks 334th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 23.0 percent), while the gambling defense of UMBC forces the 54th-most turnovers in the NCAA (24.4 percent).

Maine vs. UMBC Odds Pick

College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UMBC, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UMBC ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while Maine ranks 182nd (21.1).
  • 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).
  • The Retrievers average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 67th in the country. The Black Bears rank 196th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
  • UMBC ranks 56th in steals per game (8.2) while Maine ranks 161st in steals allowed per game (7.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Retrievers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 5.3 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Black Bears have scored an average of 57.4 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (5.4 above their season average).