Expect a defensive battle when the ninth-ranked Maryland Terrapins (18-4, 8-3 Big 10) clash with the 20th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (16-6, 8-3 Big 10) at State Farm Center. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020.
Maryland Terrapins at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini were beaten by the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, 72-65, while the Terrapins defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 56-51.
The Terrapins knocked down 12 of their 15 free throws (80.0 percent) and held the Scarlet Knights to an effective field goal percentage of 0.362 (below their season average of 0.497). Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 31.0). Illinois received a boost from Andres Feliz, who contributed 17 points. Jalen Smith played a pivotal role for Maryland with 14 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks.
In their first matchup this year, Smith led the Terrapins to a 59-58 win. He registered a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Terrapins’ 14.0 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Fighting Illini, who had a mark of 17.1.
This matchup pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Illinois ranks 56th in offensive efficiency and Maryland is 23rd in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Terrapins are among the nation’s best at getting to the line, ranking 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.288). The Fighting Illini, however, rank 13th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.153).
Maryland Terrapins vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Maryland ranks 76th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while Illinois ranks 260th (17.6).
- The Fighting Illini rank 45th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Terrapins rank 124th (12.5).
- Maryland ranks 229th in steals per game (4.7) while Illinois ranks 232nd (4.7).
- The Terrapins rank 19th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Fighting Illini rank 129th (3.0).
- Illinois averages 40.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the NCAA. Maryland ranks 98th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
- The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 9.8 for the season.
