The Delaware Blue Hens will take on the UNC Wilmington Seahawks in the Championship game of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament.
The Seahawks defeated Elon 75-58 to start the Tournament and found a way against Charleston, winning 60-57. Meanwhile, Delaware’s route was a bit more substantial, beating Drexel and Towson by double digits in both games.
However, UNC Wilmington already defeated Delaware twice in the regular season with both games being decided by single digits.
Who will win the CAA this season and cut down the nets with a trip to the NCAA Tournament? Here are our college basketball betting picks and predictions for the CAA Championship between the Delaware Blue Hens and UNC Wilmington Seahawks.
Delaware vs UNC Wilmington odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
With championship games, odds don’t come out very quickly. Delaware is currently a 2-point favorite and the total is sitting at 136.5 at most outlets. We’ll see if any line movement happens closer to game time.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
Delaware vs UNC Wilmington predictions
Predictions made on 3/8/2022 at 8:08 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for the 2021-22 college basketball season, here are two of the best bonuses available:
USA: New Users that sign up with DraftKings can bet $5 on any college basketball moneyline and win $200 in free bets if your team wins! Sign Up Now
Canada: Bet $1, get $100 in free bets when you sign up with BetVictor! Sign Up Now
Delaware vs UNC Wilmington game info
• Location: Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, DC
• Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2022
• Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: CBSSN
Delaware at UNC Wilmington betting preview
Injuries
Delaware: No injuries to report.
UNC Wilmington: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Blue Hens are 14-6 against the spread in their last 20 neutral site games. Find more NCAA betting trends for Delaware vs. UNC Wilmington.
Delaware vs UNC Wilmington picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
Throughout the CAA Tournament, Delaware has far and away looked like the best team in the conference.
The Blue Hens are shooting an effective field goal percentage of 53.9% and continue to get to the foul line at a consistent rate. From the field, the Blue Hens shoot 35.4% from deep and 54.5% from inside the arc. Delaware has a balanced attack and will take threes when the Blue Hens see fit.
Defensively, UNC Wilmington has struggled, allowing opponents to shoot 37% from deep this season. Despite earning 20.3% turnovers, the Seahawks have been bad on the defensive glass, allowing opponents to earn 31.6% offensive rebounds.
UNC Wilmington also fouls at a high rate and will likely give Delaware even more chances at the line. Still, inside the arc, UNC Wilmington is allowing teams to shoot 48.8%, which is above average defensively.
On the other hand, UNC Wilmington isn’t shooting lights out this year. From 3-point land, the Seahawks are hitting just 32.4% of looks and are knocking down just 47.1% of shots inside the arc.
The Seahawks have done very well at limiting turnovers and should be able to earn second chances going up against Delaware. The Blue Hens allow 31.3% of offensive rebounds but, despite that, have been better defensively, holding opponents to a 49.5% effective field goal percentage.
It’s hard to beat a team three times, especially when both teams are pretty similar. Delaware’s been playing better in the last week and as long as shots are falling, the Blue Hens should be able to cover the small spread and win this game outright.
Prediction: Delaware -2 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Delaware is knocking down 35.4% from three and 54.5% from inside the arc. Despite UNC Wilmington having success defending inside, Delaware is pretty elite at scoring around the rim.
The expectation is that both teams earn second-chance buckets and protect the ball and get shot attempts up. Delaware might get to the foul line a little bit more frequently, but UNC Wilmington is no stranger at the line, either. Plus, both teams are above average from the foul line this season.
Opponents take a long time on the offensive end against UNC Wilmington, however, the Blue Hens have an elite offense that can perform at a high level once the early jitters leave.
Prediction: Over 136.5 (-110)
Best bet
I’m sticking with Delaware. The Blue Hens haven’t defeated UNC Wilmington this season and yet, they’re favorites coming into tonight’s championship game in the CAA.
I know the adage is "defense wins championships," but that's not an excuse to ignore offense. It takes a balanced approach to win any conference tournament and Delaware is the more balanced squad with a very good offense and a defense that can really defend inside the arc.
UNC Wilmington likes to go one-on-one and won’t really rack up assists. Expect Delaware to compete and cover the small spread.
Pick: Delaware -2 (-110)
Did you know that if you parlayed our Delaware vs. UNC Wilmington picks, you could win $26.45 on a $10 bet?
Use our college basketball parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
