It will be a battle between AmEast opponents when the Hartford Hawks (7-8) welcome the UMBC Retrievers (9-7, 1-0 AmEast) to Chase Family Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
UMBC Retrievers vs. Hartford Hawks Free Prediction
The Retrievers are hoping for a better outcome after their 67-42 loss to the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last matchup. Marquette’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over UMBC. The Golden Eagles had a rate of 0.467, while the Retrievers posted a mark of 0.274. Arkel Lamar was UMBC’s high scorer with 11 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
In the Hawks’ previous matchup, they lost to the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, 75-68. Central Connecticut State’s 0.246 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Hartford, who had a rate of 0.193. Hartford’s George Blagojevic put together a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
Hartford might struggle to put up points as they face off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. UMBC ranks 51st in defensive efficiency, while the Hawks rank 187th in offensive efficiency.
After the Retrievers won all three matchups against the Hawks last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, UMBC won 75-60. The Retrievers had a better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.154) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 21.1).
UMBC Retrievers at Hartford Hawks Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Hartford, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UMBC averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. Hartford ranks 109th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Retrievers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 66.6 points per game (7.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
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