Early 10* College Basketball Pick, March 15th

Maine vs. Bryant College Basketball Betting Preview (11am est)

Chris Markwood is a name that resonates deeply in Maine basketball history. As the point guard for the Black Bears’ last winning team in 2004, he helped guide the program to a 20-10 record and a near-upset in the America East Tournament finals. Fast forward 21 years, and Markwood is now attempting the unthinkable: leading Maine to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

The magnitude of this feat cannot be overstated. Since joining Division I basketball in 1937, Maine has never danced in March Madness. Yet, here they are, fresh off a monumental upset over Vermont—snapping a 30-game losing streak to the Catamounts—to earn a shot at the America East Tournament Championship.

But while this Cinderella story is captivating, a harsh reality looms: Bryant presents a nightmare matchup for the Black Bears.

Maine’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Markwood has built his team around perimeter defense and guard play. The backcourt duo of Kellen Tynes—three-time America East Defensive Player of the Year—and Jaden Clayton form an elite defensive tandem, forcing nearly five steals per game. Their tenacity fuels Maine’s 17th-ranked turnover-forcing defense (22%, per KenPom), a crucial component of their success.

On offense, Maine employs a ball-screen motion system that thrives when wings like Quion Burns, AJ Lopez, and Christopher Mantis hit shots. Proper spacing opens lanes for drives and cuts, making the Bears a tough cover when their perimeter game is clicking.

However, Maine’s offensive efficiency (ranked 284th nationally) tells the full story. When shots don’t fall, the attack stagnates, often getting bogged down in inefficient midrange attempts. Additionally, their lack of size—both in the backcourt and frontcourt—makes rebounding a persistent issue. The Black Bears have the worst two-way rebounding differential in the America East (-98 in conference play, per CBB Analytics), leaving them vulnerable to second-chance points.

Why Bryant Has the Edge

Phil Martelli Jr.’s Bulldogs are tailor-made to exploit Maine’s weaknesses. They boast an imposing lineup where no starter is under 6-foot-6, led by America East Player of the Year Earl Timberlake. Timberlake, a versatile point forward, spearheads an attack filled with athletic wings who can shoot, defend, and handle the ball.

Bryant’s advantages can be broken down into two key areas:

1. Size and Athleticism Dominate the Matchup

The Bulldogs crash the offensive boards at an elite level, ranking first in the America East with a 35% offensive rebounding rate (KenPom). Defensively, they block shots at a 19% clip in conference play, also the best mark in the league. Their ability to control the glass and alter shots will make life difficult for Maine’s smaller lineup.

2. Switchability on Defense

Bryant’s defensive system thrives on versatility. They rarely turn the ball over (14% turnover rate in conference play, per KenPom) and can switch on every perimeter action. This allows them to smother Maine’s ball-screen-heavy offense and limit open looks for their shooters. If forced into isolation situations, Maine struggles—ranking in the 40th percentile nationally in isolation efficiency (.83 PPP allowed, per Synergy).

Head-to-Head Matchup Breakdown

The season series paints a clear picture of Bryant’s dominance over Maine:

• Bryant outscored Maine 82-35 in the paint across their two meetings.
• The Bulldogs grabbed 33 second-chance points and outrebounded the Bears 83-54.
• Maine struggled offensively, shooting just 42% from the field and scoring only 0.74 points per possession on ball-screen sets.
• Bryant’s three-point shooting made the difference—they hit 10 threes in their 81-55 rout at home but shot just 27% in their closer 80-72 win in Orono.

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