The Maryland Terrapins (12-3, 1-1 Big 10) will attempt to continue their six-game winning streak against the Penn State Nittany Lions (11-4, 1-1 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Maryland opened as a 4-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 138.5 points.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Maryland Terrapins Free Prediction
The last time the Nittany Lions played, they thoroughly outplayed the Coppin State Eagles, 88-43. The Nittany Lions held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.8 (below their season average of 17.2). The Eagles also had a turnover percentage of 25.7 (above their season average of 18.1). With 21 points on 7-for-9 shooting, Tony Carr was the top scorer from either team.
The Terrapins dismantled the UMBC Retrievers in their last matchup, 66-45. The Terrapins made 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and held the Retrievers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.346 (below their season average of 0.545). With 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Anthony Cowan had a good game for Maryland.
Points could be at a premium as two of the nation’s premier defenses go head-to-head. Maryland ranks 15th in defensive efficiency (90.2) and Penn State is 18th (90.4).
Penn State heads into the contest with records of 11-4 straight up (SU) and 6-4-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Nittany Lions’ 11 games with betting action, nine have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Maryland owns records of 12-3 SU and 6-4-1 ATS. Games featuring the Terrapins also have typically finished under the total (55.6 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Mike Watkins (14.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.0 blocks) has been fantastic for the Nittany Lions while Kevin Huerter (15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks) has made great contributions to the Terrapins.
After the Nittany Lions won the sole contest against the Terrapins last season, 70-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Nittany Lions had a much better free throw rate (0.531 vs. 0.288) and had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 15.5).
Penn State Nittany Lions at Maryland Terrapins Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn State is 2-2-1 ATS on the road with 3 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Maryland is 4-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Penn State ranks 11th in steals per game (9.4) while Maryland ranks 178th (4.9).
The Nittany Lions rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while the Terrapins rank 147th (22.5).
Maryland ranks 26th in blocks per game (5.5) while Penn State ranks 120th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
The Terrapins rank 30th in rebounds per game (40.4) while the Nittany Lions rank 89th (37.8).
Maryland ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Penn State ranks 28th (10.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Penn State is 2-1 ATS with 3 unders.
Maryland is 3-0 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Nittany Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.4, up from 14.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.2 points per game (7.4 below their season average).
