It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the Maryland Terrapins (10-3, 1-1 Big 10) square off against the 24th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-2, 1-1 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Maryland Terrapins ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Terrapins were victorious over the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens 73-67, while the Cornhuskers easily got past the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils 106-37.
Nebraska dominated every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.659 and a turnover percentage of 12.1. For those same stats, Mississippi Valley State recorded marks of 0.199 and 20.2, respectively. Meanwhile, Maryland’s 0.339 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Delaware, who had a mark of 0.138. Jalen Smith put together a solid game for Maryland with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Nebraska received a boost from James Palmer Jr., who contributed 17 points and five assists.
The Cornhuskers won the only game between these two teams last season, 70-66. Nebraska had a much better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.086). Maryland, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 13.6). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Anthony Cowan Jr. has been playing at a high level over the last five games for Maryland, averaging 0 points per game.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Maryland currently ranks 286th in possessions per game (67.9) and Nebraska is 295th (68.2). Additionally, the Cornhuskers rank 29th in turnover percentage (15.5 percent), while the Terrapins rank 292nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.1 percent).
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Maryland ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while Nebraska ranks 186th (35.2).
- The Cornhuskers average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 16th in the country. The Terrapins rank 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Nebraska is 46th in the nation with 8.6 assists allowed per game while Maryland is 47th with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
- The Cornhuskers rank 26th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Terrapins rank 167th (7.7).
- Nebraska ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.2) while Maryland ranks 140th (22.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 12.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 52.2 points per game (5.6 below their season average).
