The Vermont Catamounts (15-4, 5-0 AmEast) welcome the UMBC Retrievers (11-9, 3-2 AmEast) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against superb defense. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
UMBC Retrievers vs. Vermont Catamounts Free Prediction
The Retrievers come in on a high note after just getting past the Albany Great Danes in their last contest, 65-64. UMBC had a much better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 19.1). Albany, on the other hand, held the Retrievers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.1 (below their season average of 27.5). UMBC was led by Jose Placer, who led the team in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Catamounts were in action, they had no trouble getting past the Binghamton Bearcats, 78-50. The Catamounts, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.0, had a fantastic mark of 60.0, while the Bearcats had a free throw rate of 0.133 (below the 0.192 mark opponents have averaged against Vermont this season). With 10 points and 14 rebounds, Vermont’s Samuel Dingba had a solid outing.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Vermont (44th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 112.9) takes on the elite defense of UMBC (39th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 94.3). Moreover, the Retrievers, who rank 282nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.200), could struggle to get to the line against the Catamounts, who rank 55th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.190).
After the Catamounts won two out of three contests against the Retrievers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, UMBC won 65-62. UMBC had a much better turnover percentage (6.2 vs. 20.7). Vermont, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (21-27; 77.8 percent).
UMBC Retrievers at Vermont Catamounts ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Vermont, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Vermont ranks 52nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while UMBC ranks 247th (25.9).
The Retrievers rank 22nd in steals per game (8.4) while the Catamounts rank 162nd (5.6).
Vermont ranks 46th in blocks per game (4.3) while UMBC ranks 174th (2.0).
The Catamounts rank 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Retrievers rank 105th (34.1).
Vermont ranks 34th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while UMBC ranks 61st (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Retrievers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 54.2 points per game (11.7 below their season average).
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