Maine Black Bears vs Bryant Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25
The Black Bears and Bulldogs are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bulldogs will host the game at Chace Athletic Center in Smithfield, RI. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 150.5 points, and Bryant is favored by -3.5 to win at home against Maine.
MAINE BLACK BEARS VS BRYANT BULLDOGS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Maine Black Bears +3.5
This game will be played at Chace Athletic Center at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.
WHY BET THE MAINE BLACK BEARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-73 in favor of the Bulldogs.
- Even though we have Bryant winning straight-up, we like Maine at +3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 150.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Is a Win at Smithfield Possible for the Black Bears?
Maine Black Bears Recent Game
Maine dropped to 6-7 on the season after a 59-56 home loss to Boston on Sunday. The Black Bears were -4.5 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread.
Maine led 27-19 at halftime but struggled defensively in the second half, allowing 40 points while scoring 29. The game’s total points (115) fell short of the O/U line of 131.5.
Maine’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.7%, and they managed only 5 offensive rebounds.
Kellen Tynes led the way with 17 points, while Michael McNair added 16, hitting 3 of 6 from deep. Christopher Mantis also connected on 4 threes, shooting 57.1% from beyond the arc.
Despite Maine’s solid defensive effort, they gave up 59 points while holding their opponent to 37% shooting overall, including 40% on two-point attempts (13/32).
From beyond the arc, Maine’s defense limited their opponent to 5 threes on 16 attempts (31%). They also sent them to the line 22 times, where they made 15 free throws (68%). Maine allowed 5 offensive rebounds.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Bulldogs?
Bryant Bulldogs Recent Game
Bryant’s season continued to be a struggle as they fell to 4-9 after a 112-66 loss to Grand Canyon on Monday. The Bulldogs, who were +13.5 point underdogs going into the game, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 178, surpassing the O/U line of 158.5.
Bryant found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 61-23 at halftime. While they managed to score 43 points in the 2nd half, they couldn’t slow down Grand Canyon, who put up 51 points after the break.
The Bulldogs struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 34.3% from the field and 14.3% from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 28 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 37.3%, and they shot 59.3% from the free-throw line, making 16 of 27 attempts.
Makaih Williams led the way with 31 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep and shooting 56.2% overall. Earl Timberlake added 16 points, and Barry Evans contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, despite shooting just 28.6% from the field.
Despite giving up 112 points, Bryant’s defense held their opponent to 41% shooting from the field, as they went 34/83. Inside the arc, they allowed 45% shooting, with the other team hitting 25 of 55 two-point attempts.
From three-point range, Bryant’s opponents shot 32%, making 9 of 28 attempts. The Bulldogs also sent them to the line 44 times, where they converted 35 free throws for 79%. Bryant gave up 22 offensive rebounds in the game.