Offense meets defense when the UMBC Retrievers (0-1) visit Arizona to take on the No. 3 Wildcats (1-0). Action starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 12, 2017, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
UMBC Retrievers vs. Arizona Wildcats ATS Preview
The last time the Retrievers played, they were beaten by the SMU Mustangs, 78-67. UMBC’s Arkel Lamar put together a good game, putting up 23 points and 12 rebounds. Getting to the charity stripe was one of SMU’s largest advantages. They made 35 trips to the line, while UMBC went 24 times.
The Wildcats come in on a high note after dismantling the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in their last outing, 101-67. Arizona’s Dusan Ristic played a pivotal role with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Arizona dominated every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 52.2 and a free throw rate of 0.491. Northern Arizona had marks of 27.9 and 0.293, respectively, for those same stats.
Arizona could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. The Wildcats rank 13th in offensive efficiency, while UMBC ranks 258th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2016-17 season. The Retrievers should have an edge in terms of ball protection. They rank 59th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the Wildcats have forced the 88th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.5 percent).
The Retrievers are 18-13 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has had a tendency to set the total low when UMBC is involved since last season as 60.0 percent of their games have finished over the O/U total.
The Wildcats, on the other hand, have records of 31-4 SU and 21-16-1 ATS since last season. Vegas has also been spot on when setting the O/U total of Arizona games over that same stretch with an even split between overs and unders.
UMBC Retrievers vs. Arizona Wildcats Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – UMBC, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Wildcats average 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 146th in the nation. The Retrievers rank 219th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- Arizona ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while UMBC ranks 72nd (5.5).
- UMBC ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while Arizona ranks 299th (16.8).
- The Wildcats rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while the Retrievers rank 185th (35.4).
- Arizona ranks 147th in blocks per game (3.3) while UMBC ranks 240th (2.3).
