Free NCAAB Pick: Catamounts vs. Retrievers Odds
Looking for Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers Free NCAA picks & NCAA odds? NCAAB betting sees the Catamounts taking on the Retrievers on 3/14 at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, in Baltimore, MD. This free NCAA basketball pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Catamounts Retrievers matchup.
2026 NCAAB Handicapping – Vermont Catamounts vs UMBC Retrievers
(22-11) Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers (23-8)
Date: Mar 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM ET
Venue: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, MD
NCAAB Moneyline Odds: Catamounts +116 | Retrievers -143 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NCAAB Spread Betting Odds: Catamounts +2.5 | Retrievers -2.5
NCAAB Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 137.5
Here’s why I’m backing a Vermont ATS bet below in my Catamounts Retrievers free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Catamounts vs. Retrievers Gameday
The Vermont Catamounts face the UMBC Retrievers in an America East Conference matchup at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM ET, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN2.
Vermont enters the game as the slight underdog with a spread of +2.5. The Catamounts hold a 22-11 overall record this season and finished conference play at 12-4. They are coming off a solid 9-point victory over the NJIT Highlanders.
That recent win showcased Vermont’s ability to control the pace of the game, with key contributions from guard TJ Hurley.
UMBC, meanwhile, enters as the favorite at -2.5 and carries a 23-8 overall record. The Retrievers were one of the top teams in the America East this season with a strong 14-2 conference record.
In their most recent outing, UMBC delivered an impressive performance with a 22-point win over the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks. That result continued a strong run for a team that has been consistently productive on both ends of the floor.
Ace Valentine has been a major contributor for UMBC throughout the season, providing scoring and playmaking. With the total set at 137.5, this matchup shapes up as a competitive conference battle between two teams playing well heading into the game.
It’s Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers, hopefully we get a great matchup.
Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers Odds & Last 5
Vermont enters this matchup following a win against NJIT where the Catamounts scored 63 points to secure the victory. With a 22-11 overall record and a +2.5 spread for this game, Vermont will look to carry its recent momentum into this conference showdown.
TJ Hurley has been one of the standout performers for Vermont in recent games. His scoring ability has helped keep the Catamounts competitive, and he continues to be a focal point of the offense.
UMBC, on the other hand, comes into the matchup riding a strong performance after defeating Massachusetts-Lowell by 22 points. The Retrievers hold a 23-8 record and are favored by 2.5 points in this contest.
Ace Valentine has been one of the most reliable contributors for UMBC, consistently producing on offense. His presence has helped the Retrievers maintain strong scoring output throughout the season.
Both teams have shown solid form recently. Vermont has compiled a respectable 9-6 record away from home, while UMBC has been dominant on its own floor with a 14-2 home record. With the total set at 137.5, the matchup projects to be a tightly contested scoring battle.
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Retrievers Stats
The UMBC Retrievers have been playing strong basketball recently, highlighted by their 91-point performance in the home win over the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks. That 22-point victory reflected the team’s offensive rhythm, as the Retrievers have averaged more than 88 points over their last three games.
Jah’Likai King leads the team in scoring with 430 points this season and continues to be a central piece of the offense. Ace Valentine has also played a major role, adding 358 points while leading the team with 120 assists.
UMBC has been efficient shooting the ball throughout the season. The Retrievers hold a 47.3% field goal percentage, ranking 63rd nationally, while their effective field goal percentage sits at 54.3%, ranking 79th.
They have also been effective from three-point range, converting 36% of their attempts from beyond the arc. That perimeter shooting has helped stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the Retrievers rely more on discipline than pressure. While they average just 5.1 steals per game, they protect the ball well offensively with only 9.4 turnovers per game.
With no players currently listed on the injury report, UMBC enters this matchup with a healthy roster and plenty of momentum.
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Catamounts Stats
The Vermont Catamounts enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak. Their most recent victory came against the NJIT Highlanders, where they secured a 9-point win and continued their strong late-season run.
Offensively, Vermont averages 73.8 points per game this season. While that ranks 271st nationally, the Catamounts make up for it with efficient shooting. They hold a field goal percentage of 46.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 54.1, ranking 86th.
Defensively, Vermont has struggled in certain areas. The Catamounts rank 290th in steals and 443rd in blocks per game, which limits their ability to generate turnovers.
However, the team does a strong job protecting the basketball, averaging just 9.2 turnovers per game. That discipline allows them to control possessions and maintain offensive efficiency.
TJ Hurley and Sean Blake have been important contributors during Vermont’s recent success. Hurley scored 29 points in a game against the Bryant Bulldogs, while Blake added 14 points in the win over NJIT.
Their continued production will be important if Vermont hopes to challenge UMBC in this conference matchup.
Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers bottom line: UMBC enters with the stronger overall record and home-court advantage, but Vermont’s ability to control tempo and win tight games could keep this America East matchup competitive from start to finish.
NCAA Stats
| Stat | Vermont | UMBC |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 73.8 (271st) | 76.3 (191st) |
| FG % | 46.4 (112th) | 47.3 (63rd) |
| 3 Point FG% | 34.5 (192nd) | 36.0 (86th) |
| 3 Point Attempts | 25.2 (154th) | 22.3 (265th) |
Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers Basketball Betting Trends
- The Catamounts have a strong straight-up record as a favorite, going 19-7 this season.
- UMBC has been impressive against the spread recently, with a 9-1 record over their last 10 games.
- Vermont has struggled with the over/under in their last 5 games, hitting the over just once.
- Also, the Retrievers have been perfect straight up in their last 10 games, winning all of them.
- Vermont has a solid straight-up record in their last 10 games, winning 8 of them.
- Additionally, UMBC has hit the over in all of their last 3 games.
Catamounts Retrievers Free Pick: Vermont +2.5
Here is my Catamounts Retrievers free pick: Vermont enters this matchup in excellent form, winning eight of its last ten games while maintaining steady execution on both ends of the floor.
Teams playing that confidently rarely fade quietly.
The Catamounts usually perform well when installed as favorites, yet stepping into the underdog role can sometimes create extra betting value. Competitive teams often thrive when expectations shift.
UMBC arrives riding a perfect straight-up run in its last ten games. That streak has certainly attracted attention.
Because winning streaks can also inflate the betting line, underdogs often become attractive in tightly priced matchups.
This matchup feels like a game that stays competitive deep into the second half.
Vermont has consistently shown the ability to keep games within reach even against strong opponents. Their disciplined pace and defensive structure help limit long scoring runs.
The Catamounts also respond well when trailing, often slowing tempo and working for efficient possessions.
Overall grabbing +2.5 with a team currently playing confident basketball creates a solid betting angle.
I’m taking Vermont plus the points.
Today’s NCAAB Free Pick
Best Sportsbooks For Vermont Catamounts vs. UMBC Retrievers NCAAB Gambling Today!
NCAAB Betting Tweet Of The Day
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMEDAY AT THE PEAKE! We host Vermont in the AMERICA EAST CHAMPIONSHIP at 11 a.m. SEE YOU THERE!#RetrieverNation
📺: ESPN2
📈: https://t.co/rylLrwQYqB pic.twitter.com/E2bUWSsl3Y
— UMBC Men’s Basketball (@UMBC_MBB) March 14, 2026
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