The Maryland Terrapins (11-3, 2-1 Big 10) travel to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights (7-5, 0-2 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Maryland Terrapins at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Prediction
In the Terrapins’ last matchup, they beat the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, 73-67. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Maryland’s largest advantages. They made 30 trips to the line, 19 more than Delaware. With 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Jalen Smith led Maryland in scoring.
The Scarlet Knights easily got past the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in their last outing, 90-55. The Scarlet Knights had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.631 vs. 0.397) and had a better free throw rate (0.123 vs. 0.079). With 14 points and 10 rebounds, Rutgers’ Eugene Omoruyi played well.
After the Terrapins won the sole game against the Scarlet Knights last season, 61-51, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Maryland’s 0.217 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Rutgers, who had a rate of 0.069.
Several players have played well over the last five games for Maryland. Averaging 0 points per game, Anthony Cowan Jr. has led the way. Bruno Fernando (0 points) and Smith (0 points) have also been excellent.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Rutgers ranks 269th in possessions per game (68.3) and Maryland is 294th (67.7). Moreover, the 45th-ranked offense of the Terrapins (offensive efficiency of 114.0) will clash against the 56th-ranked defense of the Scarlet Knights (defensive efficiency of 93.9).
Maryland Terrapins vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Maryland ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while Rutgers ranks 116th (34.6).
The Scarlet Knights average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. The Terrapins rank 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Rutgers averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 100th in the nation. Maryland ranks 157th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
The Scarlet Knights average 23.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 118th in the nation. The Terrapins rank 129th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
Rutgers is 50th in the nation with 11.3 assists allowed per game while Maryland is 51st with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 11.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (6.0 below their season average).
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