UMBC Retrievers vs American Eagles NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/29/24
The Retrievers and Eagles are set to face off at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The Eagles will host the game at Bender Arena in Washington, DC. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 149.5 points, with American being favored by -2.5 over UMBC.
UMBC RETRIEVERS VS AMERICAN EAGLES BETTING PICK
The Pick: UMBC Retrievers +2.5
This game will be played at Bender Arena at 4:00 ET on Sunday, December 29th.
WHY BET THE UMBC RETRIEVERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-73 in favor of the Eagles.
- Even though we have American winning straight-up, we like UMBC at +2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Are UMBC Ready for a Road Win?
UMBC Retrievers Recent Game/Games
UMBC fell to 5-7 on the season after a 76-73 road loss to Marist on Saturday, December 21st. The Retrievers were +3.5 point underdogs going into the game, and while they covered the spread, they couldn’t pull off the win.
Both teams scored 39 points in the first half, and the second half was equally tight, with each team putting up 31 points. The total points for the game reached 149, just over the 147.5 O/U line.
UMBC’s offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 41% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range, hitting 12 of 29 attempts from deep. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.8%, and they connected on 68.8% of their free throws, going 11 for 16 from the line.
Bryce Johnson led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 61.5% overall. Marcus Banks Jr. hit 5 threes, but shot just 26.3% overall, finishing with 15 points. Jadin Collins-Roberts added 14 points, shooting 63.6% from the field.
UMBC’s defense gave up 76 points, allowing the opponent to shoot 45% from the field. They struggled to contain two-point shots, where the other team hit 54%, making 26 of their 48 attempts.
From beyond the arc, UMBC’s defense was more effective, holding the opponent to just 18% shooting, with only 3 made threes out of 16 attempts. The Retrievers also sent the other team to the line 20 times, where they converted 15 free throws.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Eagles?
American Eagles Recent Game/Games
The Eagles dropped to 4-6 on the season after a 63-58 road loss to Virginia on Sunday, December 22nd. Despite being +13 point underdogs, American kept the game closer than expected, covering the spread.
American trailed 32-28 at halftime and played Virginia nearly even in the 2nd half, scoring 30 points while allowing 31. The game’s total points of 121 narrowly went over the pre-game line of 119.5.
In their latest game, the American Eagles managed just 58 points, shooting 38% from the field. They hit 11 threes at a 35.5% clip, while their two-point shooting was 42.1%. At the free-throw line, they were perfect, going 9-for-9.
Elijah Saunders led the Eagles with 21 points, shooting 7-of-9. Matt Mayock added 16 points, hitting 4-of-5 from deep. The Eagles had only 3 offensive rebounds and 13 assists in the game.
Despite giving up 63 points, the American Eagles couldn’t capitalize on their defensive efforts. They allowed their opponents to shoot 46% from the field, with 23 made baskets on 50 attempts.
From beyond the arc, the Eagles’ defense saw 8 threes go down on 19 attempts, a 42% shooting performance. At the free-throw line, they sent their opponents there 14 times, with 9 makes for a 64% rate.