The Bryant Bulldogs and the Maine Black Bears meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Cross Insurance Center. Bryant comes into this one at 17-11 overall. The Bulldogs lost to Vermont in their last matchup. As for Maine, they’re sitting at 12-16 on the season after a win over Binghamton on Saturday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Bryant Bulldogs
Bryant’s year began on a 13-7 stretch through their first 20 outings. The Bulldogs have since gone 4-4 in their last eight, beating Maine, New Hampshire, Albany and NJIT with losses otherwise to Binghamton, UMBC, UMass Lowell and Vermont.
In the Vermont game on Saturday, the Bulldogs were down 39-38 by halftime. Bryant couldn’t quite catch up and ended up losing 70-66 after a 31-28 second half. Sherif Kenney managed 25 points and Charles Pride put up 16 points with 11 rebounds.
Maine Black Bears
Over on the Maine side, they hit a rough 8-12 run in their first 20 games this year. The Black Bears are 4-4 in their last eight as well with wins over Albany, UMBC, Albany again and Binghamton. The losses came to Bryant, Vermont, NJIT and New Hampshire.
Matched up against Binghamton on Saturday, the Black Bears scored 32 points in the first half, 27 in the second and 12 in overtime for a tense 71-67 win. Both Kristians Feierbergs (14 points; 10 rebounds) and Jaden Clayton (10 points; 10 rebounds) doubled up.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with Maine in this one. The Black Bears are coming off a nice road win in overtime versus Binghamton, and they’ve now won two of their last three with 71 or more points scored in both victories. These teams last met up back on February 1 in a 71-53 blowout win for Bryant at Chace Athletic Center. With Maine getting back home in this rematch however, I think the Black Bears can power out a cover if they play well. Should be an interesting matchup.