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UMBC vs. New Hampshire Prediction and Odds (Wildcats a Strong Play at Home)

By Ben Heisler

Jayden Martinez and the New Hampshire Wildcats are 2-point favorites at home against UMBC this afternoon.
Jayden Martinez and the New Hampshire Wildcats are 2-point favorites at home against UMBC this afternoon. / Steven Ryan/GettyImages
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The New Hampshire Wildcats kick off the week in America East conference hoops with a matinee matchup against the UMBC Retrievers at 4 p.m. ET.

Both teams are neck and neck in conference play, with UMBC up just a game at 7-5 to New Hampshire at 6-6. The Retrievers play their second straight game on the road, and also their second road game in three days after getting blown out by UMass Lowell 88-71 to snap a six-game losing streak. Meanwhile,

The last time both teams played was back on February 5th when UMBC won on their home court 88-77. Will this afternoon fare differently?

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

UMBC vs. New Hampshire Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • UMBC +2 (-110)
  • New Hampshire -2 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • UMBC +110
  • New Hampshire -130

Total:

  • 136.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

UMBC vs. New Hampshire Prediction and Pick

Despite losing by 11 just nine days ago, I like the Wildcats to cover the short home line in today's matinee.

The Retrievers getting smoked by UMass Lowell on Saturday was eye-opening. They let the River Hawks get to wherever they wanted on the court, shooting 64.4% from the floor and giving up 52 points in the second half. They also got destroyed 28-17 on the glass. This sets up well for the Wildcats who are second in the conference in offensive rebounding percentage, and also don't turn the ball over; ranking second in the league in turnover percentage.

New Hampshire is much more likely to dictate tempo at home. They rank 355 out of 358 in average possession length, so they'll slow things down on the offensive end and drag out possessions. UMBC is much more up-tempo, averaging 16.7 seconds per possession length overall, and 17.3 in conference play.

Last time out, UMBC was cooking, shooting 64.7% from field goal range and 56% from downtown, and still got outplayed in the second half after closing the first with an 18-point lead. I don't anticipate a similar performance on the road today.

LEAN: New Hampshire -2 (-110)

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