Maine Black Bears vs Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/23/25
Betting on today’s Black Bears and River Hawks game? Catch the action at Costello Athletic Center in Lowell, MA, as the River Hawks hosts this showdown at 6:00 ET on ESPN+. This America East conference matchup has an over/under of 146.5 points, and Massachusetts-Lowell is favored to win by -2.5 at home vs. Maine.
MAINE BLACK BEARS VS MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL RIVER HAWKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks -2.5
This game will be played at Costello Athletic Center at 6:00 ET on Thursday, January 23rd.
WHY BET THE MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL RIVER HAWKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the River Hawks.
- Not only will Massachusetts-Lowell pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Will the Black Bears Win in Lowell?
Maine Black Bears Recent Game/Games
Maine improved to 10-8 on the season with a decisive 87-62 road win over UMBC on Saturday. Entering the game as +2 point underdogs, the Black Bears not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
Maine took control early, leading 45-27 at halftime. They maintained their momentum in the second half, outscoring UMBC 42-35. The game’s total points of 149 fell just under the 150.5 O/U line.
The Black Bears put up 87 points in their latest game, shooting 56.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 65.6%. They connected on 61% of their two-point attempts and hit 47.8% from beyond the arc, going 11-for-23 from three-point range.
AJ Lopez led the way with 24 points, shooting 71.4% overall and 60% from three. Quion Burns added 19 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 61.5% of his shots and contributing 3 assists.
Despite Maine’s defensive efforts, they couldn’t hold their opponent under 62 points, as the Black Bears allowed 41% shooting from the field. Their defense gave up 24 made field goals on 58 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Maine’s defense allowed 7 threes on 19 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 9 times, where they converted 7 free throws.
Is a Home Win Possible for Massachusetts-Lowell?
Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks Recent Game/Games
On Saturday, the River Hawks fell to 10-6 on the season after an 85-62 road loss to Bryant. Entering the game as +4 underdogs, they not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 147, falling short of the 162.5 O/U line.
UMass-Lowell trailed 45-28 at halftime and couldn’t mount a comeback, scoring 34 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40.
In their last game, Massachusetts-Lowell struggled offensively, shooting just 29.4% from the field and 23.1% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 33.8%, and they hit 16 of 25 free throws (64%).
Barry Evans was a bright spot, scoring 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting. Earl Timberlake also shot 66.7%, adding 14 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.
Massachusetts-Lowell’s defense struggled, giving up 85 points on 45% shooting. They allowed 55% from inside the arc, with the opposing team hitting 26 of 47 two-point attempts.
From three-point range, their opponents shot 28%, making 8 of 28. Massachusetts-Lowell also sent them to the line 12 times, where they converted 9 free throws.