The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-15, 3-12 Big 10) will try to end a seven-game road losing streak when they clash against the Maryland Terrapins (17-11, 6-9 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 130 points with Maryland set as an 11.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
The last time the Scarlet Knights played, they beat the Northwestern Wildcats, 67-58. Corey Sanders was the games leading scorer with 30 points on 11-for-22 shooting. Rutgers dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.233 (above their season average of 0.197) and a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 14.4). For those same stats, Northwestern was 0.082 and 15.6, respectively.
The Terrapins are trying to rebound after their 70-66 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their last matchup. Bruno Fernando led Maryland in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting. Nebraska had a much better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.086). Maryland, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 18.4).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Maryland ranks 303rd in possessions per game (66.9) and Rutgers is 283rd (67.5). Also, the Scarlet Knights rank 308th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.199), while the Terrapins rank seventh in opponents FTA rate (0.169).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams, after the Terrapins won both contests last season. In the last matchup, Maryland won 79-59. The Terrapins played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.614 and a free throw rate of 0.158. For those same stats, the Scarlet Knights had marks of 0.448 and 0.121, respectively.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Maryland Terrapins Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Terrapins rank 36th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Scarlet Knights rank 191st in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- Maryland ranks 226th in three pointers attempted per game (19.7) while Rutgers ranks 303rd (15.1).
- Maryland ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while Rutgers ranks 231st (37.0).
- The Scarlet Knights rank 50th in steals per game (7.3) while the Terrapins rank 235th (4.3).
- Maryland ranks 104th in assists per game (14.5) while Rutgers ranks 268th (10.0).
Betting Trends:
- The Terrapins average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 7.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 60.2 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (8.1 above their season average).
