The No. 19 Maryland Terrapins (15-3, 6-1 Big 10) head to Ohio State to take on the Buckeyes (12-4, 2-3 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Maryland Terrapins at Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Prediction
The Terrapins will be looking for similar success after beating the Wisconsin Badgers in their last matchup, 64-60. Maryland was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Terrapins made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Badgers were just 3-6 (50.0 percent). With 21 points on 4-for-14 shooting, Anthony Cowan Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
In the Buckeyes’ last game, they lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes, 72-62. Getting to the free throw line was one of Iowa’s biggest advantages. They made 25 trips to the line, while Ohio State went just 11 times. With 13 points on 4-for-7 shooting, Andre Wesson was Ohio State’s high scorer.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Ohio State ranks 255th in possessions per game (68.4) and Maryland is 304th (66.9). Moreover, the Terrapins’ 28th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.7) will go head-to-head against the Buckeyes’ 51st-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 94.9).
After the Buckeyes won the only game against the Terrapins last season, 91-69, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Ohio State couldn’t miss, shooting 56.1 percent from the field. Maryland, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of 36.7.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Ohio State ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Maryland ranks 135th (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, down from 11.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (6.2 above their season average).
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