UMBC Retrievers vs. Maine Black Bears Free Prediction 02/29/20

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The Maine Black Bears (7-21, 3-11 AmEast) close out their home schedule at Cross Insurance Center against the UMBC Retrievers (14-15, 7-7 AmEast). The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

UMBC Retrievers at Maine Black Bears ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Black Bears lost to the New Hampshire Wildcats, 77-70, while the Retrievers lost a close one to the Binghamton Bearcats, 76-74.

UMBC had a free throw rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.203) while Maine did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent). Nedeljko Prijovic was a key piece for Maine with 18 points and nine rebounds. UMBC was lifted by Brandon Horvath, who put up 23 points and 19 rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Jackson led the Retrievers to a 63-53 win. He produced 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. UMBC’s 0.313 free throw rate was their largest strength over Maine, who had a mark of 0.226.

The Retrievers’ K.J. Jackson has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 16 points,5.6 rebounds,4.8 assists,1.8 steals per game. Meanwhile, Sergio El Darwich has averaged 17 points,5.4 rebounds,3.4 assists,2.0 steals during that same time frame for the Black Bears.

UMBC appears to have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Retrievers rank 87th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.472), while Maine is 322nd in effective field goal percentage (0.463).

UMBC Retrievers at Maine Black Bears Free Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Maine, ATS Winner – Maine, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Maine averages 23.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 102nd in the NCAA. UMBC ranks 260th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
  • The Black Bears rank 94th in steals per game (6.9) while the Retrievers rank 157th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
  • Maine ranks 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while UMBC ranks 74th (3.0).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Retrievers have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
  • The Black Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 7.8 for the season.