In this article we will formulate a Howard vs UMBC prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, March 17th at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament First Four matchup.
Howard Bison Betting Preview
The Howard Bison are 23-10 (11-3) this season after they defeated NC Central by a score of 70-63 in their last game. Howard led 26-23 at halftime and they added 44 points in the second half in the win. The Bison shot 37% from the field, 26% on three pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Bryce Harris led Howard with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Cam Gillus added 14 points and six rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, Howard defeated SC State by a score of 78-61 and Norfolk State by a score of 84-76. The Bison have scored 77.5 points per game with 36.6 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.8 points against per game this season. Bryce Harris is averaging 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while Cedric Taylor III is averaging 17.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Bison. Howard is shooting 45.9% from the field, 73.1% on free throws, and 34.5% on three pointers this season.
UMBC Retrievers Betting Preview
The UMBC Retrievers are 24-8 (14-2) this year after they defeated Vermont by a score of 74-59 in their last game. UMBC led 30-28 at halftime and they scored 44 points in the second half in the double-digit win. The Retrievers shot 41% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. DJ Armstrong Jr led UMBC with 33 points and two rebounds, while Ace Valentine added 13 points and four assists in the win.
Prior to that game, UMBC defeated UMass-Lowell by a score of 91-69 and New Hampshire by a score of 84-69. The Retrievers have scored 76.2 points per game with 35.5 rebounds and 12.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.0 points against per game this season. Jah’Likai King is averaging 13.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while DJ Armstrong Jr is averaging 13.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Retrievers. UMBC is shooting 47.1% from the field, 76.2% on free throws, and 36.1% on three pointers this year.
Why the Howard Bison will win
- Howard has won each of its last eight games.
- UMBC has lost 12 of its last 15 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Howard has won the first half in 14 of its last 16 games.
Why the UMBC Retrievers will win
- UMBC has won each of its last 12 games.
- Howard has lost 13 of its last 17 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- UMBC has won the first half in each of its last six games.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of UMBC’s last 12 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 141+ points.
- Four of Howard’s last five games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Howard ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.70).
- Howard ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.6).
- UMBC ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.0).
- UMBC ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.3).
Howard vs UMBC Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup on lengthy winning streaks and the spread is very close, so we should be in for a great battle here. Howard is shooting 46% from the field and they have scored 78+ in four of their last five games. UMBC is shooting 47% from the field and they have scored 84+ in four of their last five. Both defensive units have been pretty solid over the last two weeks and I think these teams are pretty even, but I think Howard is the slightly better side and I think UMBC is going to have a lot of trouble scoring. Take Howard to win here.