The Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 0-1 Big 10) will try to extend a six-game home winning streak when they meet the Maryland Terrapins (6-3, 0-1 Big 10) at State Farm Center. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 3, 2017.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
In the Terrapins last outing, they lost to the Purdue Boilermakers, 80-75. Anthony Cowan put together a solid game for Maryland, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 5-for-12 shooting. Purdue held the Terrapins to an effective field goal percentage of 0.429 (below their season average of 0.578). Maryland, meanwhile, held the Boilermakers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 32.0).
The Fighting Illini are hoping for a better outcome after their 72-68 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats in their last game. With 14 points and six rebounds, Illinois Mark Alstork played well. Northwestern forced the Fighting Illini into a turnover percentage of 22.8 (above their season average of 14.8). Illinois, on the other hand, did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (21-26; 80.8 percent).
The offense of Illinois will clash against the elite defense of Maryland. Since the 2016-17 season, the Fighting Illini rank 156th in offensive efficiency, while the Terrapins are 16th in defensive efficiency. The Terrapins should have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Terrapins, who rank second in offensive rebounding percentage (33.0 percent), will clash against the Fighting Illini, who rank 56th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.8 percent).
Games including these teams tend to finish under the O/U total. Maryland games have gone under 60.0 percent of the time, while Illinois games have gone under 80.0 percent of the time. The Fighting Illini hold a significant advantage in both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 6-2 SU and 3-2 ATS, while the Terrapins are 6-3 SU and 3-3-1 ATS.
The Terrapins won both contests against the Fighting Illini last season. In the most recent contest, Maryland won 62-56. The Terrapins dominated every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.185 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9. For those same stats, the Fighting Illini recorded marks of 0.125 and 16.2, respectively.
Maryland Terrapins at Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Terrapins rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 28th (11.2).
- Maryland ranks 18th in blocks per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 257th (2.3).
- The Fighting Illini rank 59th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Terrapins rank 282nd (6.5).
- Maryland ranks 21st in rebounds per game (36.4) while Illinois ranks 202nd (35.3).
