UMBC Retrievers vs. Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks ATS Prediction 01/12/19

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The UMBC Retrievers (9-8, 1-1 AmEast) will be at the Costello Athletic Center to take on the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks (8-9, 0-2 AmEast) in an AmEast matchup. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

UMBC Retrievers at Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The River Hawks lost to the New Hampshire Wildcats, 68-64, while the Retrievers lost a tough one against the Hartford Hawks, 66-64.

UMBC had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.2 (above their season average of 26.5) while Massachusetts-Lowell did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (21-26; 80.8 percent). Obadiah Noel played a pivotal role for Massachusetts-Lowell with 20 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, UMBC rallied around Joe Sherburne, who recorded 17 points.

The Retrievers dominated this series last year, taking all three games. In the last game, UMBC won 89-77. The Retrievers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the River Hawks. UMBC had a rate of 11.6, while Massachusetts-Lowell posted a mark of 15.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

It could be a sloppy game for the Massachusetts-Lowell offense. Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 265th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.5 percent), while the disruptive defense of UMBC forces the 14th-most turnovers in the NCAA (24.8 percent).

UMBC Retrievers vs. Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks Pick

Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Massachusetts-Lowell, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 86th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2) while UMBC ranks 226th (26.0).
  • The River Hawks average 37.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 101st in the NCAA. The Retrievers rank 121st in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
  • The Retrievers rank 28th in steals per game (8.4) while the River Hawks rank 153rd in steals allowed per game (7.5).
  • Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 31st in assists per game (16.6) while UMBC ranks 82nd (14.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • The River Hawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 2.2 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Retrievers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (3.8 below their season average).