The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-4, 4-0 Big 10) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (14-4, 3-2 Big 10) to Value City Arena as they try to continue their six-game home winning streak. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
Ohio State is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 143.5 points.
Maryland Terrapins at Ohio State Buckeyes Free Prediction
In the Terrapins’ last contest, they blew out the Iowa Hawkeyes, 91-73. The Terrapins made 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 19.6). With 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting, Bruno Fernando led Maryland in scoring.
The Buckeyes were victorious over the No. 1 Michigan State Spartans in their last outing, 80-64. Ohio State’s 8.3 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Michigan State, who had a mark of 15.6. The Buckeyes’ mark was better than their season average of 16.3. Keita Bates-Diop was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 12-for-21 shooting.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, this will be a matchup of two heavyweights. The upper-echelon Ohio State offense ranks 51st in the NCAA in that metric at 0.552, while the top-notch Maryland defense is ranked 17th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.450).
Maryland holds records of 14-4 straight up (SU) and 8-5-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Terrapins’ 12 games that accepted bets, seven have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is 13-4 SU and 7-8 ATS. Contrary to Maryland, games involving the Buckeyes have a tendency to finish under the total (73.3 percent).
Kevin Huerter has averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists over the last five games for Maryland.
After the Terrapins won both matchups against the Buckeyes last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Maryland won 86-77. The Terrapins had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 18.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.364 vs. 0.268).
Maryland Terrapins vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Maryland is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Ohio State is 4-5 ATS at home with 8 unders and 1 over.
Ohio State ranks 31st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Maryland ranks 161st (7.7).
The Terrapins rank 48th in rebounds per game (39.0) while the Buckeyes rank 117th (36.8).
Maryland ranks 168th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9) while Ohio State ranks 226th (24.9).
The Buckeyes rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Terrapins rank 54th (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Maryland is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Ohio State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 12.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
