The Maryland Terrapins (14-6, 3-4 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-6, 3-4 Big 10) to Xfinity Center as they look to lengthen their seven-game home winning streak. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 150 points with Maryland opening as an 8-point favorite.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Maryland Terrapins Free Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last matchup, they defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 95-84. The Golden Gophers had a better free throw rate (0.227 vs. 0.149) and held the Nittany Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2 (below their season average of 33.0). Jordan Murphy played a pivotal role for Minnesota with 22 points and 19 rebounds.
The Terrapins lost a tough one against the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines in their last matchup, 68-67. Michigan’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Maryland. The Wolverines had a rate of 8.3 (better than their season average of 13.1), while the Terrapins posted a mark of 17.1. Maryland’s Anthony Cowan had a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
A focal point for the Maryland offense is getting to the free throw line. The Terrapins rank 15th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.308), but Minnesota is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 17th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.171). Moreover, the Golden Gophers rank 21st in turnover percentage (15.9 percent), while the Terrapins rank 299th in opponents’ turnover percentage (16.9 percent).
Minnesota holds records of 14-6 straight up (SU) and 9-10 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Golden Gophers have a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total (52.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Maryland owns records of 14-6 SU and 9-6-1 ATS. Of the Terrapins’ 14 games with betting action, 8 have finished over the total.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Golden Gophers won the most recent game 89-75. The Golden Gophers made 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (7.6 vs. 11.3).
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Maryland Terrapins ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 4-3 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Maryland is 6-2-1 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Maryland ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while Minnesota ranks 228th (37.8).
The Terrapins average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 46th in the NCAA. The Golden Gophers rank 151st in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
Minnesota ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Maryland ranks 142nd (7.2).
The Terrapins rank 107th in assists per game (14.4) while the Golden Gophers rank 190th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Maryland is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 8.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 7.9 points.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (11.8 above their season average).
