Vermont vs. Marquette Betting Preview & Predictions

Vermont (23-10 SU 21-10 ATS) vs. Marquette (28-6 SU 18-16 ATS)
When: Friday, March 17th: 2:45 ET
Where: Nationwide Arena Columbus, OH
TV: CBS
Point Spread: UVM +11/MU -11
Total: 144.5
Money Line: Vermont Catamounts +461/Marquette Golden Eagles -757

Vermont Catamounts (23-10 SU, 21-10 ATS) will take on the Marquette Golden Eagles (28-6 SU, 18-16 ATS) on Friday, March 17th, at 2:45 ET in Nationwide Arena Columbus, OH. The game will be aired live on CBS. Marquette is the clear favorite in this matchup, with a point Golden Eagles bettors having to lay -10.

Line Movement

Marquette opened as a -11 favorite and has been bet down to -10, bucking the publics’ favor. The total opened at 145 and has dropped to 144.

Last Game Info

Vermont picked up a victory over Massachusetts-Lowell by a score of 72-59. Heading into the game, the Catamounts were favored to win, with a point spread of -6.5. The combined 131 points did not surpass the 143 total line.

Marquette picked up a victory over Xavier by a score of 65-51. Heading into the game, the Golden Eagles were favored to win, with a point spread of -2. The combined 116 points did not surpass the 155 total line.

Current Form

Vermont
Over their last five games, Vermont has a straight-up record of 5-0 while going 4-0-1 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Catamounts offense averages 76.8 points per game while hitting 51.3% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 41.1% from the field while allowing 60.0 points per contest.

Marquette
In their previous five contests, Marquette is 5-0 straight-up and 3-2 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 75.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 45.6%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 40.2% of their shots while giving up 67.8 points per game.

Strength of Schedule

This season, the combined SOS of Vermont’s opponents comes in at 130. Conversely, Marquette’s combined SOS sits at 71.

How Does Vermont Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Catamounts put together a mark of 1-3 this season.

How Does Marquette Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Golden Eagles put together a mark of 4-1 this season.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Vermont is averaging 74.9 points per game (85th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 49.3%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Marquette defense that has allowed an average of 70.6 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 44.6% of their shots vs. Marquette. On the other side, the Marquette Golden Eagles are coming into the game averaging 74.4 points per game on a shooting percentage of 45.3%. The Golden Eagles will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 66.6 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 44.6% of their shots vs. the Catamounts.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Vermont has a shooting percentage of 36.4% while ranking 247th in attempts per game. The Catamounts will be facing a Marquette defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 35.9%. Marquette enters the game having hit 34.7% of their looks from deep while averaging 8.61 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Vermont has allowed opponents to hit 36.1% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Vermont

• No Reported Injuries

Marquette

• Zach Wrightsil (Out) Knee
• Emarion Ellis (Out) Knee

Pick Against Versus the Line

I was leaning toward taking Vermont getting double digits, but the total interests me more. Vermont didn’t play the most difficult conference schedule, but they do rank 68th in points per game allowed (66.7) and are strong on the boards ranking 11th in defensive rebounds. The Catamounts play slow, averaging just 55.6 field goal attempts per game, and if Marquette gets out to a big early lead, look for them to eat the clock. Take the Under 144