The Maryland Terrapins (18-11, 7-9 Big 10) will try to snap their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats (15-13, 6-9 Big 10) at Allstate Arena. Northwestern is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 134 points. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 19, 2018.
Maryland Terrapins at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Preview
The Terrapins defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their last outing, 61-51. Bruno Fernando was the games high scorer with 18 points on 8-for-9 shooting. The Terrapins knocked down 10 of their 14 free throws (71.4 percent) and held the Scarlet Knights to an effective field goal percentage of 0.405 (below the 0.471 mark opponents have averaged against Maryland this season).
The last time the Wildcats played, they were topped by the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans, 65-60. Vic Law was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Michigan State did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (17-21; 81.0 percent). Northwestern, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 10.4 (better than their season average of 15.4).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern currently ranks 314th in possessions per game (66.5) and Maryland is 306th (66.6). Also, the Terrapins rank 30th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.469), while the Wildcats rank 261st in effective field goal percentage (0.493).
Games involving these teams have typically gone under the projected point total. Maryland games have finished under 60.9 percent of the time, while 64.0 percent of Northwestern games have finished under. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Terrapins have a significant advantage. They are 18-11 SU and 13-10-2 ATS, while the Wildcats are 15-13 SU and 11-14 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 130 points in that game, which was just under the projected point total of 134. The Terrapins won 73-57, covering as 4-point favorites. Maryland’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Northwestern. The Terrapins had a rate of 0.618 while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.412. In the victory, Kevin Huerter led all scorers with 22 points.
Maryland Terrapins at Northwestern Wildcats Odds Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Terrapins rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Wildcats rank 60th (32.6).
- Northwestern ranks 201st in steals per game (5.1) while Maryland ranks 234th (4.4).
- Maryland is 5-6 ATS on the road with 6 unders and 5 overs.
- Northwestern is 7-5 ATS at home with 9 unders and 3 overs.
- Northwestern ranks 39th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while Maryland ranks 164th (22.4).
- The Wildcats average 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. The Terrapins rank 109th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Maryland ranks 106th in assists per game (14.4) while Northwestern ranks 145th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Betting Trends:
- Northwestern is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Maryland is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Northwestern has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
