The UMBC Retrievers (18-12, 10-5 AmEast) will close out the regular season on their home court when they clash against the New Hampshire Wildcats (4-23, 2-12 AmEast) at Retriever Activities Center. Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
New Hampshire Wildcats vs. UMBC Retrievers ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Retrievers lost to the Stony Brook Seawolves, 78-63, while the Wildcats beat the Albany Great Danes, 62-58.
The Wildcats had a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 15.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.550 (above their season average of 0.448). UMBC, on the other hand, forced Stony Brook into a turnover percentage of 23.6 (above their season average of 17.3). KJ Jackson played a pivotal role for UMBC with 18 points. Meanwhile, New Hampshire received a boost from Chris Lester, who finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Jackson led the Retrievers to a 59-51 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. One of UMBC’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 10-12 (83.3 percent), while the Wildcats were just 0-4 (0.0 percent).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. UMBC currently ranks 281st in possessions per game (67.0) and New Hampshire is 296th (66.5). Also, the 346th-ranked offense of the Wildcats (offensive efficiency of 90.8) will face a difficult test against the 30th-ranked defense of the Retrievers (defensive efficiency of 95.2).
New Hampshire Wildcats at UMBC Retrievers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UMBC, ATS Winner – UMBC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- New Hampshire ranks 28th in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while UMBC ranks 253rd in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
- The Retrievers rank 130th in assists per game (13.5) while the Wildcats rank 237th (11.1).
- UMBC is 30th in the NCAA with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while New Hampshire is 43rd with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Retrievers rank 43rd in steals per game (7.7) while the Wildcats rank 238th (4.0).
- UMBC ranks 89th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5) while New Hampshire ranks 251st (37.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Retrievers have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 9.3 for the season.
