UMBC Retrievers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Prediction 12/29/18

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The UMBC Retrievers (7-6) will travel to the Bryce Jordan Center to go head-to-head with the Penn State Nittany Lions (6-6). The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

UMBC Retrievers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Nittany Lions defeated the North Florida Ospreys, 87-72, while the Retrievers were blown out by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 67-42.

The Nittany Lions had a much better free throw rate (0.439 vs. 0.203) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.544 vs. 0.461). UMBC, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.2 vs. 14.1). Lamar Stevens put together a solid outing for Penn State with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, UMBC received a boost from Arkel Lamar, who contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

Stevens has been superb recently for Penn State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.

It could be an error-filled game for the Penn State offense. Penn State ranks 167th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of UMBC forces the 64th-most turnovers in the nation (24.6 percent). Additionally, the Retrievers rank 256th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), while the Nittany Lions rank 60th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).

UMBC Retrievers at Penn State Nittany Lions Free Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Penn State ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while UMBC ranks 158th (26.5).
  • The Retrievers rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Nittany Lions rank 77th (3.3).
  • Penn State ranks 121st in rebounds per game (36.8) while UMBC ranks 143rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
  • The Retrievers rank 53rd in steals per game (8.2) while the Nittany Lions rank 120th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
  • Penn State ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while UMBC ranks 88th (12.1).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Retrievers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 4.0 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (2.8 below their season average).