In what should be a fun matchup for NIT fans that love to see points scored, Saint Joseph’s takes on a UAB team that spends far more time putting the ball through the basket than it does stopping the opponent from doing the same.
While the Dragons’ offense is one of the best among one-bid leagues, its defense is a problem and is the main reason the team came up short of making the NCAA Tournament. My UAB vs. Saint Joseph’s predictions and college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 19 expects the Hawks to take advantage of the Dragons’ defensive woes.
Who will win UAB vs Saint Joseph's?
Both these teams have talented forwards capable of taking over games and pouring in points, however, Saint Joseph’s guard combo of Xzayvier Brown and Erik Reynolds II should give them the advantage. It doesn’t hurt that Billy Lange’s team has the far better defense, too. I have Saint Joseph’s taking this game 83-77.
UAB vs Saint Joseph's prediction
My best bet: Saint Joseph’s -5 (-110 at bet365)
First and foremost, the biggest reason to tune into this matchup will become clear almost immediately when you spot the freakiest player on the court. That would be All-A-10 forward Rasheer Fleming.
While his teammates, Brown and Reynolds, are more prolific scorers than him, Fleming is often the most talented player on the court, regardless of opponent. The 6-foot-9 junior brings jaw-dropping athleticism and a 7-foot-4 wingspan to the court with efficient 3-point shooting (40%) to go along with his shot-blocking and rebounding.
Fleming, who’s a projected first round NBA draft pick, is going to be the key to a Saint Joseph Hawks win with his ability to anchor a defense that’s 71st in adjusted efficiency and allowing the 59th-lowest field goal percentage in the country (41.5%).
So while the UAB Blazers’ offense is explosive, Fleming and Co. have the ability to hold it off. Meanwhile the Dragons’ defense is a major problem and once the floodgates are open, the Hawks can swoop in and score in bunches.
UAB is just 266th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and ranks outside the top 250 in field goal percentage allowed (45.1%), 2-pointers allowed per game (20.4), and assists allowed per game (13.6). This defense doesn’t have enough to stop a future NBA player in Fleming and two of the best guards in the A-10 in Brown and Reynolds.
Those three had Saint Joseph’s putting up the second-most PPG in A-10 play (75.4) and the third-most 3-pointers per game (9.5). UAB is just too flawed on the defensive end to keep this within five.
UAB vs Saint Joseph's same-game parlay (SGP)
Saint Joseph’s -5
Over 159
Both teams to score 30 points in first half
This game should see plenty of points with the way UAB’s offense has been this season and Saint Joseph’s being one of the best Over bets in the country as of late. The Hawks have hit the Over in eight of their last nine games.
With an offense that terrorized the A-10 in conference play behind the trio of Brown, Reynolds, and Fleming, Saint Joseph’s should be all over this lackluster UAB defense. And while the Dragons are going to have a tough time keeping this one close, they should still be able to score with an offense that’s 16th in the country in PPG (82.5).
Andy Kennedy’s team is one of the best inside the arc in the country - averaging the fourth-most 2-pointers per game (23.6) - and it has a game-changer in Yaxel Lendeborg. The senior was a double-double machine in the AAC.
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UAB vs Saint Joseph's odds
UAB vs Saint Joseph's live odds
UAB vs Saint Joseph's opening odds
- Spread: UAB +6 | Saint Joseph’s -6
- Moneyline: UAB +205 | Saint Joseph’s -250
- Over/Under: Over 151.5 | Under 151.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
UAB vs Saint Joseph's betting trend to know
UAB have only covered the spread in 17 of its last 34 games (-1.70 Units / -5% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for UAB vs. Saint Joseph's.
How to watch UAB vs Saint Joseph's
| Location | Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-19-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
UAB vs Saint Joseph's key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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