The Iowa Hawkeyes (10-5, 1-3 Big 10) welcome the No. 12 Maryland Terrapins (13-2, 3-1 Big 10) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against tremendous defense. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 10, 2020.
Maryland Terrapins at Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Prediction
The Terrapins will be looking for a similar outcome after beating the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes in their last outing, 67-55. Maryland’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Ohio State. The Terrapins had a rate of 0.370 (above their season average of 0.292), while the Buckeyes posted a mark of 0.119 (below their season average of 0.304). With 20 points on 4-for-9 shooting, Anthony Cowan Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
In the Hawkeyes’ last game, they were beaten by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 76-70. One of Nebraska’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Iowa had just five. Iowa’s Luka Garza finished with 16 points and 18 rebounds in the game.
After the Terrapins won the only game against the Hawkeyes last season, 66-65, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Maryland made 12 of its 28 three pointers (42.9 percent). Iowa, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (19-24; 79.2 percent).
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Iowa (16th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 113.0) takes on the elite defense of Maryland (21st in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 87.5).
Maryland Terrapins at Iowa Hawkeyes Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Iowa ranks eighth in assists per game (17.9) while Maryland ranks 160th (12.7).
The Terrapins rank sixth in rebounds per game (42.1) while the Hawkeyes rank 125th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
Iowa averages 23.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 92nd in the country. Maryland ranks 198th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
The Terrapins rank 28th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Hawkeyes rank 115th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 13.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
