UMBC vs American Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/29/24

The UMBC Retrievers are visiting the American Eagles on Sunday, December 29th at the Bender Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UMBC Retrievers vs American Eagles Prediction.

American Eagles Preview

The American Eagles have a 6-6 record this season and are coming off a 58-63 loss to Virginia. The Eagles are 6-4 against the spread, and 6-4 in over/under while having a 3-0 home record.

Offensively, American is averaging 68.7 points per game, which ranks 314th nationally. Defensively, they allow 70.3 points per game (160th). The Eagles shoot 43.7% from the field (250th) and 32.9% from beyond the arc (223rd). The Eagles shoot 74.9% from the free-throw line (82nd) and are grabbing 29.9 rebounds per game (356th).

Matt Rogers leads American in scoring this season, with an average of 14.4 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds, while Colin Smalls adds 12.5 points. American will face Navy following this one.

UMBC Retrievers Preview

The UMBC Retrievers have a 7-7 record this season and are coming off a 73-76 loss in Marist. The Retrievers are 6-5 against the spread, and 8-3 in over/under while having a 1-4 road record.

Offensively, UMBC is averaging 82.3 points per game, which ranks 51st in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 74.7 points per game (249th). The Retrievers shoot 47.6% from the field (73rd) and 39.2% from beyond the arc (22nd). The Retrievers shoot with 68.8% from the free-throw line (261st) and are grabbing 35.1 rebounds per game (252nd).

Bryce Johnson leads UMBC in scoring this season, with an average of 15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Marcus Banks adds 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. 

Why the American University Eagles will win

• UMBC has lost eight of its last nine road games against non-conference opponents.
• American University has won each of its last five games against the America East Conference.
• American University has won the first half in each of its last five games against the America East Conference.

Why the UMBC Retrievers will win

• UMBC has won six of its last seven games following a road loss.
• UMBC has won the first half in three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

UMBC Retrievers vs American Eagles Prediction

American is 7-1 in their last 8 meetings against UMBC, but are just 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 meetings. In their most recent meeting last season, American won 87-85 on the road. In this UMBC Retrievers vs American Eagles Prediction, American is coming as -3 home favorites. UMBC is better offensively, scoring 13.6 points more than American, while American is better defensively, allowing 4.4 points less. The Retrievers are winning by an average of 7.7 points this season, while on the other hand, the Eagles are losing by an average of 1.6 points. UMBC also has far better shooting percentages than American, so I like them to win this game. Take the UMBC Retrievers and lay the points on the road.