Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Maine vs Canisius NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Buffalo.
Maine vs Canisius Prediction
Planning on watching today's Black Bears and Golden Griffins game? Catch the action at Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY, as the Golden Griffins hosts this showdown at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. Maine is the -8 point favorites in this non-conference matchup against Canisius. The over/under for the game is set at 137.5 points.
Maine vs. Canisius Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Maine Black Bears at Canisius Golden Griffins
- Where: Buffalo at Koessler Athletic Center
- Date: Saturday, December 14th
- Betting Odds MAINE -8, MAINE -328 | CANS +252 O/U 137.5
Black Bears Preview: Will the Black Bears Pull Through as the Favored Road Team?
Maine Black Bears Recent Game/Games
The Black Bears evened their record at 5-5 after a 61-56 road win over Duquesne on Wednesday. Entering the game as +4.5 underdogs, Maine not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
After a 29-29 tie at halftime, Maine outscored Duquesne 32-27 in the second half. The game’s total points of 117 fell well short of the O/U line of 133.5.
Black Bears Offense Breakdown
Maine put up 61 points in their last game, shooting 46.9% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 9 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 51%, and they connected on 81.2% of their free throws, going 13 for 16.
AJ Lopez led the way with 17 points, shooting 63.6% overall. Tre Dinkins III added 12 points, knocking down 4 of 6 from three-point range. Kellen Tynes also scored 12 points, but struggled with his shooting, hitting just 2 of 11 from the field.
Black Bears Team Defense
Maine's defense held their opponent to just 56 points, allowing them to shoot 34% from the field. Inside the arc, they limited their opponent to 28% shooting, with only 9 made two-point baskets out of 32 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Maine's opponent hit 11 of 26 threes, shooting 42%. They also struggled at the free-throw line, making just 5 of 11 attempts for 45%. Maine gave up 20 offensive rebounds in the game.
Golden Griffins Preview: No Pressure for Canisius as Home Dogs
Canisius dropped to 0-10 on the season after a 66-53 loss to Siena on Sunday. The Golden Griffins were +4.5 underdogs at home and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 119 fell short of the 134-point O/U line.
After a 24-24 tie at halftime, Canisius struggled in the 2nd half, scoring 29 points while allowing 42.
Golden Griffins Offense Breakdown
Canisius struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 53 points with a field goal percentage of 40.5% (17/42) and an effective field goal percentage of 45.2%. They hit 4 of 12 from beyond the arc, shooting 33.3% from three-point range, and were 15 of 19 from the free-throw line, converting 78.9% of their attempts. The Golden Griffins managed only 3 offensive rebounds and recorded 7 assists as a team.
Paul McMillan IV led the way with 22 points and 4 assists, shooting 50.0% overall and 33.3% from three. Justice Shoats added 18 points, hitting 40.0% of his shots and 40.0% from deep, while Brendan Coyle contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds, connecting on 38.5% of his three-point attempts.
Golden Griffins Team Defense
Canisius held their opponent to 66 points, with a defensive effort that limited them to 40% shooting from the field. The Golden Griffins gave up 13 two-point field goals on 30 attempts, a 43% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Canisius allowed 4 three-pointers on 12 attempts, with their opponent shooting 33%. At the free-throw line, the opposition went 15/19, hitting 78% of their attempts. Canisius also controlled the boards, giving up just 3 offensive rebounds.
Black Bears vs Golden Griffins Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- When looking at their past ten road matchups, Maine has an ATS record of 6-4 while averaging 65 per game. The team went 3-7 overall in these games.
- Through their last five home contests, the Golden Griffins offense has averaged 56 points per game while allowing an average of 82. Canisius posted an overall record of 0-5 while going 1-4 ATS.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Golden Griffins have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
- In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Black Bears have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their ATS record was 4-1 in these scenarios.
Maine vs Canisius Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Canisius +8 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.