The No. 4 Maryland Terrapins (10-0, 1-0 Big 10) head to Penn State to take on the Nittany Lions (7-2, 0-1 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Free Prediction
The last time the Terrapins played, they topped the Illinois Fighting Illini, 59-58. Maryland’s 14.0 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Illinois, who had a mark of 17.1. The Terrapins’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.6. Maryland rallied around Jalen Smith, who put up 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Nittany Lions got blown out by the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes in their last matchup, 106-74. Ohio State made good use of their 37 trips to the free throw line, converting on 30 of them (81.1 percent). Penn State, on the other hand, was just 14-20 (70.0 percent). Penn State’s Izaiah Brockington put together a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
These two teams split two games last season. In the most recent game, the Nittany Lions won 78-61. The Nittany Lions had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 21.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.288 vs. 0.232).
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the nation’s top defenses. Penn State ranks 39th in defensive efficiency (98.3) and Maryland is 10th (96.3) since last season.
Maryland vs. Penn State ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Penn State averages 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 37th in the nation. Maryland ranks 215th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
The Nittany Lions rank ninth in steals per game (8.1) while the Terrapins rank 159th (4.7).
Maryland ranks seventh in rebounds per game (40.0) while Penn State ranks 143rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
The Nittany Lions rank 49th in assists per game (12.8) while the Terrapins rank 106th (13.3).
Maryland ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Penn State ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
