The Saint Joseph’s Hawks (4-5) will be at home in Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena when they challenge the Maine Black Bears (3-8). Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 17, 2017.
Maine Black Bears at Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Preview
The last time the Black Bears played, they had no trouble getting past the Maine-Machias Clippers, 104-51. With 20 points, Dusan Majstorovic had a good outing for Maine. Maine played a perfect game. They had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 6.5 (better than their season average of 21.1) and a free throw rate of 0.348 (above their season average of 0.208). Maine-Machias put up marks of 28.3 and 0.143, respectively, for those same stats.
The Hawks are trying to rebound after their 81-78 loss to the Temple Owls in their last contest. With 17 points and nine rebounds, Chris Clover put together a solid outing for Saint Joseph’s. Temple had a turnover percentage of 7.4 (better than their season average of 15.1). Saint Joseph’s, on the other hand, held the Owls to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.3 (below their season average of 29.1).
Saint Joseph’s could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Since the 2016-17 season, Saint Joseph’s ranks 36th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while Maine has forced the 99th-fewest turnovers (18.1 percent).
Aaron Calixte has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Maine, averaging 16.6 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Maine Black Bears vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Maine, ATS Winner – Maine, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Hawks rank 101st in blocks per game (3.5) while the Black Bears rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Maine ranks 108th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 255th (26.5).
- The Hawks rank 37th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Black Bears rank 147th (6.9).
- Saint Joseph’s averages 36.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 118th in the NCAA. Maine ranks 213th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
