UMass Basketball Faces Undefeated Miami (Ohio): A Clash in Amherst

The UMass Minutemen (15-11, 6-7) are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the No. 23 Miami (Ohio) Redhawks (25-0, 12-0 MAC) on Tuesday night at the Mullins Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Redhawks are currently the last undefeated team in NCAA Division I basketball, making this game a significant test for both squads.

First Meeting Recap

The teams previously met on January 27th in Oxford, with Miami (Ohio) narrowly escaping with an 86-84 victory. UMass covered the 9.5-point spread, and the total (164.5) hit the Over. Leonardo Bettiol of UMass was a standout performer with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Eian Elmer led Miami (Ohio) with a game-high 30 points.

Redhawks Riding High

Miami (Ohio) continued their winning streak with a 90-74 victory over the Ohio Bobcats on Friday, also covering the 7.5-point spread and hitting the Over (163.5). This marked their second consecutive win by that exact scoreline. The Redhawks have been consistently strong against the spread, going 16-6 ATS this season, and the Over has cashed in 6 of their last 8 games. They currently lead the nation in scoring, averaging an impressive 92.6 points per game. Check the latest NCAA scores here.

Minutemen Seeking a Turnaround

UMass, however, has stumbled recently, dropping their last two games and allowing 89 or more points in each of their past three contests, including a 99-92 loss to the Akron Zips on Friday. Their ATS record is less impressive, at 1-3 in their last four games and 3-7 in their previous ten. Despite this, they’ve shown flashes of potential, going 10-3 in their last 13 contests.

Expert Picks and Predictions

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, UMass (+135) presents a compelling underdog pick. The Minutemen’s near-upset in the first meeting and their home-court advantage suggest they could pull off a shock result. Miami has shown vulnerability in close games, winning 4 of their last 7 by 6 or fewer points.

Betting Lines to Consider:

• UMass +2.5 (-105): A conservative play offering insurance against a potential Redhawks victory.
• Over 163.5 (-105): The Over has been a consistent winner for both teams, with Miami averaging a nation-leading 92.6 points and UMass consistently scoring 80+ points.

While Miami (Ohio)’s undefeated record is impressive, UMass has the potential to make this a competitive game. The Minutemen’s ability to score and their home-court advantage make them a dangerous opponent. For more in-depth sports betting analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, resources are available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN).