The Vermont Catamounts and UMBC Retrievers will collide on Thursday night in an America East basketball game that figures to carry major implications in the league standings. Both teams sit near the top of the conference, with Vermont at 17-10 overall and 9-3 in league play and UMBC at 16-8 and 9-2 in the AE. This matchup features two of the top three teams in the conference standings, and you will find my Vermont vs UMBC prediction right here.
Our Vermont vs UMBC Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Vermont Catamounts @ UMBC Retrievers
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
- Venue: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Players
UMBC Retrievers
- Jah’likai King – Team leader in scoring at about 13.7 points per game, with 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists, King’s consistent offense is critical for UMBC to keep pace in a tight contest.
- Josh Odunowo – A steady contributor with roughly 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest, Odunowo helps UMBC control the glass and provides timely buckets.
- DJ Armstrong – Known for his three-point shooting over recent games, Armstrong’s ability to hit perimeter shots boosts UMBC’s spacing and scoring options.
Vermont Catamounts
- Gus Yalden – Averaging around 16.3 points and 5.6 rebounds, Yalden’s scoring and presence inside make him Vermont’s focal point on both ends of the court.
- TJ Hurley – A versatile scorer, Hurley has put up strong numbers recently and his ability to create shots and stretch the defense will be key for Vermont’s offense.
- Sean Blake – The Catamounts’ primary distributor at about 4.1 assists per game, Blake’s playmaking helps get teammates involved and keeps the offense flowing.
Stat Comparison
| Statistic | Vermont | UMBC |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 75.2 | 75.2 |
| Points allowed per game | 69.9 | 68.9 |
| Team Field Goal % | 47% | 47% |
| Rebounds per game | 35.3 | 34.9 |
| Assists per game | 13.3 | 12.7 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Vermont won the last meeting between these teams on January 29 by a 64-55 score.
- Vermont is 12-14 against the spread going into this contest.
- UMBC comes into this matchup with a 12-10 record against the spread for the year.
- Vermont is 15-10-1 against the spread going into Thursday’s game.
- UMBC is 11-11 in the over/under market for the year.
Vermont vs UMBC Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
