Boston Terriers vs Maine Black Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/29/24
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Terriers and Black Bears. The game is starting at 2:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Black Bears at Memorial Gymnasium (ME) in Orono, ME. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 131.5 points, and Maine is favored by -3.5 at home against Boston.
BOSTON TERRIERS VS MAINE BLACK BEARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Maine Black Bears -3.5
This game will be played at Memorial Gymnasium (ME) at 2:00 ET on Sunday, December 29th.
WHY BET THE MAINE BLACK BEARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-66 in favor of the Black Bears.
- Not only will Maine pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 131.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Can the Terriers Grab a Win in Orono?
Boston’s season record dropped to 4-7 after an 83-71 loss to UMass-Lowell on Saturday. The Terriers entered the game as +8 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.
After a 27-27 tie at halftime, Boston allowed 56 points in the 2nd half while scoring 44. The game’s total points of 154 exceeded the O/U line of 144.5.
Boston’s offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field and 55.6% in effective field goal percentage. They hit 36.8% from three-point range, going 7-for-19, and were strong at the free-throw line, making 10 of 12 attempts for 83.3%.
Martin Somerville knocked down 6 threes on 9 attempts, finishing with 22 points and 4 assists. Max Brooks was efficient inside, shooting 71.4% on 10-of-14 shooting, adding 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Boston’s defense struggled, giving up 83 points on 58% shooting. They allowed 34 field goals on 58 attempts.
The Terriers gave up 64% shooting on two-pointers (24/37) and 47% from beyond the arc (10/21). They also sent the opposing team to the line 6 times, where they hit 5 free throws (83%).
Will the Black Bears Make it Happen at Home?
Maine Black Bears Recent Game/Games
Maine fell to 6-6 on the season after a 74-72 road loss to Stony Brook on Saturday. The Black Bears entered the game as 4-point favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 146, surpassing the over/under line of 137.5.
Maine trailed 34-30 at halftime but put up 42 points in the second half. However, they allowed 40 points in the final period, which ultimately led to the narrow loss.
Maine’s offense put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 45.5% from the field and hitting 44.4% from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 of 27 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.4%, and they also shot 76.9% from the free-throw line, making 10 of 13 attempts.
Joe Octave led the way with 24 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep, while Jaden Clayton and Kellen Tynes each added 15 points, with Clayton also going 3 of 5 from three. Maine dished out 19 assists as a team, with Tynes, Clayton, Lopez, and Wight each contributing 4 assists.
Maine’s defense gave up 74 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 46% from the field, hitting 23 of 49 shots. Inside the arc, the Black Bears allowed 16 of 35 shooting, a 45% rate.
From three-point range, Maine’s opponents were efficient, making 7 of 14 attempts for 50%. The Black Bears also sent them to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 21 for 95%. Maine allowed 9 offensive rebounds.