The Maine Black Bears (2-14, 0-1 AmEast) will attempt to snap their eight-game losing streak when they meet the Vermont Catamounts (11-4, 1-0 AmEast) at Cross Insurance Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Vermont Catamounts vs. Maine Black Bears ATS Prediction
The Catamounts come in on a high note after topping the Boston University Terriers in their last outing, 78-72. The Catamounts had a better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 14.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.267 vs. 0.213). Vermont rallied around Anthony Lamb, who finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
In the Black Bears’ previous outing, they were beaten by the Denver Pioneers, 63-50. Denver’s 0.151 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Maine, who had a rate of 0.103. With four points and 10 rebounds, Maine’s Vincent Eze had a good game.
After the Catamounts won all three games against the Black Bears last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Vermont won 75-60. The Catamounts knocked down 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 vs. 18.2).
Lamb and Stef Smith have been playing well over the last five games for Vermont. Lamb has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Smith has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Maine currently ranks 313th in possessions per game (67.0) and Vermont is 254th (68.6).
Vermont vs. Maine Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Vermont, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Vermont ranks 41st in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Maine ranks 201st (15.3).
The Catamounts rank 33rd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Black Bears rank 162nd (8.2).
Vermont ranks 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Maine ranks 166th (23.5).
The Catamounts rank 186th in rebounds per game (34.9) while the Black Bears rank 251st (31.9).
Maine allows the 35th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while Vermont ranks 49th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Catamounts’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Black Bears have scored an average of 57.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (6.1 above their season average).
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