The Maryland Terrapins (19-11, 8-9 Big 10) and No. 17 Michigan Wolverines (23-7, 12-5 Big 10) will square off at Xfinity Center to close out the regular season. Action starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
The last time the Wolverines played, they beat the Penn State Nittany Lions, 72-63. With 18 points and eight rebounds, Moritz Wagner had a solid game for Michigan. The Wolverines knocked down 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent) and held the Nittany Lions to an effective field goal percentage of 0.483 (below their season average of 0.536).
The Terrapins hope to keep it rolling after topping the Northwestern Wildcats in their last matchup, 71-64. With 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Kevin Huerter was the games high scorer. Maryland dominated every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.383 (above their season average of 0.288) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.0 (above their season average of 31.4). Northwestern put up marks of 0.240 and 25.8, respectively, for those same stats.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Maryland ranks 312th in possessions per game (66.5) and Michigan is 334th (65.3). Additionally, the upper-echelon offense of the Wolverines ranks 41st in effective field goal percentage (0.550), while the Terrapins are 30th-best in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470).
Wagner has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Michigan, averaging 16.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Wolverines won 68-67. Michigan had a much better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 17.1). Maryland, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.173 vs. 0.115). Wagner put up a double-double in the victory with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins ATS Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Wolverines rank 14th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while the Terrapins rank 109th (12.8).
- Maryland ranks 42nd in blocks per game (4.4) while Michigan ranks 135th (3.2).
- Michigan ranks 60th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Maryland ranks 235th (19.5).
- The Wolverines rank fifth in steals allowed per game (4.3) while the Terrapins rank 143rd (6.6).
- Maryland ranks 116th in rebounds per game (36.1) while Michigan ranks 254th (33.0).
Betting Trends:
- The Terrapins average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 7.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
