Bryant vs UMass Lowell Prediction: Conference Championship on the Line

The America East tournament continues on Tuesday from Lowell, Massachusetts. The Bryant Bulldogs will make the short trip north to face the UMass Lowell River Hawks. 

The River Hawks are the third seed in the conference, while Bryant enters as the second seed. This matchup was expected in the semifinal, and we’re getting it on Tuesday night. 

Bryant is 20-12 with an 11-5 record in the America East. UMass Lowell is 21-9 and 11-5 in the conference and beat Bryant by 23 in their last contest on February 29. 

The opening tip is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Here, we will break down the America East semifinal and give our best bets for the action.

Bryant vs. UMass Lowell Betting Odds for Tuesday, March 12

On FanDuel Sportsbook, UMass Lowell is favored by 5.5 points at home. They’re priced at -250 on the moneyline, compared to Bryant priced at +202 on the moneyline. Neither team has been profitable against the spread this season. 

UMass Lowell is 11-12, while Bryant is 12-15 against the spread this season. UMass Lowell covered with

The total is 156.5 points, and the programs combine for 159.8 points per game. The combined total last game ended at 156 points, so the under would have hit by the hook.

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Bryant vs. UMass Lowell Prediction

UMass Lowell’s home-court advantage proved too harsh for the Bryant Bulldogs a couple of weeks ago. The River Hawks and Bulldogs were in a battle to begin the game, and it was a tight matchup at the half. However, Bryant lost control late in the game as players and coaches received multiple technical fouls. 

The fouls were caused by UMass Lowell’s relentless play and a student section that wouldn’t let Bryant off the hook. The Bulldogs folded, but they have their chance to make things right with a win on Tuesday. 

Bryant must win by scoring points because they’re facing a fantastic offense. The River Hawks average 80.8 points per game. They don’t have an elite defense, but they’re +298 with their scoring differential and have an average winning margin of 10 points. 

Ayinde Hikim is the River Hawks' leading scorer. The 5’11” senior has been dominant against Bryant this season, averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 assists, and three rebounds in two games. He has shot 43.3% from the field. 

Max Brooks is the player to watch under the rim, providing many second chances for UMass. He averages 13 points with 7.5 rebounds per game. The 6’7” senior also averages 62.9% from the field. 

If Hikim and Brooks play their game, UMass Lowell will be difficult to stop at home. Bryant, like the River Hawks, has a potent offense. Yet, the Bulldogs only beat their opponents by an average of 3.7 points. 

Their scoring differential is well under half of the River Hawks at +117. They’re average from beyond the arc but have been stout under the rim. They’ll need to be tremendous on the glass and create second-chance opportunities. 

They’re 66th in the country in rebounds per game, with 37.8 boards per contest. Yet, they’ll face the 10th-ranked rebounding team in the country. 

This game will come down to second-chance opportunities, and both teams are physical. The team that creates extra scoring chances will have a leg up in the America East semifinal. 

Sherif Gross-Bullock is the Bulldogs' player to watch. He scores 17.9 points per game and 5.3 rebounds. Yet, his efficiency has fluctuated, and he hasn’t played well against UMass Lowell. 

In two games against Bryant, he has shot 29.6% from the field. This isn’t good enough to beat a team as talented as UMass Lowell. 

Bryant vs. UMass Lowell - My Pick

Bryant and UMass Lowell have played two times this season, and the River Hawks have won both contests. We expect them to win their third consecutive game against the Bulldogs.

Bryant’s best chance to win in this game is on the glass, and the matchup isn’t favorable. Take the River Hawks to pull off the home cover. It should be tight in the first half, but UMass Lowell has the team to put them away. 

UMass Lowell -5.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook

How to Watch Bryant vs. UMass Lowell

• When: Tuesday, March 12th @ 6:00 PM ET

• Where: Costello Athletic Center, Lowell, MA

• TV: N/A

• Streaming: ESPN+

If you or someone you know needs support or wants to speak with a professional about responsible gambling, seek out the correct resources. Call 1-800-GAMBLER to get help, or visit www.1800gambler.net for more information. WSN is an advocate for safe gambling practices.