The Maine Black Bears (2-10) look to put an end to their eight-game losing streak when they meet the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (5-6) at Cross Insurance Center. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Maine Black Bears ATS Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last outing, they defeated the Hartford Hawks, 75-68. The Blue Devils had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.193) and had a better turnover percentage (16.7 vs. 20.8). Central Connecticut State received a boost from Tyler Kohl, who was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points on 11-for-23 shooting.
The Black Bears were beaten by the Denver Pioneers in their last contest, 63-50. Denver’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Maine. The Pioneers had a rate of 0.151, while the Black Bears posted a mark of 0.103. With four points and 10 rebounds, Vincent Eze had a good performance for Maine.
Central Connecticut State figures to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this showdown. The Blue Devils currently rank 61st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while Maine ranks 279th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.7 percent).
Kohl has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Central Connecticut State.
After the Blue Devils won the only game against the Black Bears last season, 84-57, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Blue Devils had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.593 vs. 0.318) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 36.0).
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils vs. Maine Black Bears Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Central Connecticut State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Maine averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 60th in the country. Central Connecticut State ranks 136th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Black Bears average 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 109th in the country. The Blue Devils rank 184th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
Maine averages 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. Central Connecticut State ranks 108th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Blue Devils have outscored opponents by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Central Connecticut State has been defeated by an average of 1.6 points.
During their last five games, the Black Bears have scored an average of 57.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (7.2 above their season average).
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