The UMBC Retrievers (16-8, 7-2 AmEast) will try to put an end to the 11-game winning streak of Vermont when they welcome the Catamounts (18-5, 8-0 AmEast) to Retriever Activities Center. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers ATS Preview
The last time the Catamounts played, they defeated the Binghamton Bearcats, 68-54. Trae Bell-Haynes was the games high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Vermont dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 43.9 (above their season average of 26.9) and a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 14.7). Binghamton was 22.9 and 19.9, respectively, for those same stats.
The Retrievers will look to maintain momentum after beating the Stony Brook Seawolves in their last matchup, 67-63. With 24 points on 10-for-21 shooting, Jairus Lyles was the games leading scorer. The Retrievers forced 17 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.203 (above their season average of 0.195).
Getting to the line could be hard to come by for UMBC in this meeting. The Retrievers currently rank 311th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.196, while Vermont ranks 33rd in FTA rate allowed (0.184). Moreover, the Catamounts rank 22nd in effective field goal percentage (0.564), whereas the suspect defense of the Retrievers ranks 253rd with an effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.519.
Bell-Haynes has been excellent over the last five games for Vermont, averaging 19.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Catamounts won 71-56. The Catamounts played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.232 and a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 42.4. The Retrievers were 0.091 and 18.9, respectively, for those same stats. Payton Henson put up a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Vermont Catamounts at UMBC Retrievers Betting Prediction
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Vermont, ATS Winner – Vermont, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Retrievers rank 53rd in assists per game (15.8) while the Catamounts rank 81st in assists allowed per game (12.4).
- Vermont ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while UMBC ranks 204th (36.5).
- The Retrievers rank 37th in steals per game (7.6) while the Catamounts rank 236th (3.7).
- UMBC ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Vermont ranks 207th (19.9).
Betting Trends:
- The Retrievers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 4.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.0 points per game (11.0 below their season average).
