The Maryland Terrapins (10-3, 1-1 Big 10) will try to extend their six-game winning streak against the No. 24 Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-2, 1-1 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Maryland Terrapins Betting Prediction
The Cornhuskers come in on a high note after blowing out the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in their last contest, 106-37. The Cornhuskers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.659 vs. 0.199) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 20.2). Nebraska was lifted by James Palmer Jr., who had 17 points and five assists.
In the Terrapins’ last outing, they defeated the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, 73-67. Getting to the free throw line was one of Maryland’s biggest strengths. They made 30 trips to the line, while Delaware went just 11 times. Jalen Smith was Maryland’s high scorer with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Maryland ranks 286th in possessions per game (67.9) and Nebraska is 295th (68.2). Additionally, the Cornhuskers rank 29th in turnover percentage (15.5 percent), while the Terrapins rank 292nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.1 percent).
Several players have been playing 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 superb.
After the Cornhuskers won the lone game against the Terrapins last season, 70-66, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Nebraska had a much better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.086). Maryland, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 13.6).
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Maryland Terrapins Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Maryland ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while Nebraska ranks 186th (35.2).
The Cornhuskers rank 26th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Terrapins rank 167th (7.7).
Nebraska ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.2) while Maryland ranks 140th (22.8).
The Cornhuskers average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 16th in the nation. The Terrapins rank 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Nebraska is 46th in the country with 8.6 assists allowed per game while Maryland is 47th with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 29.8, up from 22.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
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