It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Northwestern Wildcats (6-11, 1-6 Big 10) welcome the No. 17 Maryland Terrapins (14-4, 4-3 Big 10) to Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Terrapins’ last outing, they beat the Purdue Boilermakers, 57-50. The Terrapins were 8-11 from the free throw line (72.7 percent) and held the Boilermakers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.384 (below their season average of 0.480). Maryland was lifted by Jalen Smith, who was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Wildcats lost to the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 75-71. Making free throws was one of Illinois’ biggest strengths. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Wildcats were 9-12 (75.0 percent). Northwestern’s Robbie Beran put together a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
After the Terrapins won the only contest against the Wildcats last season, 70-52, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Terrapins had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 15.0) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.528 vs. 0.353).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Northwestern ranks 302nd in possessions per game (66.9) and Maryland is 259th (68.1). Additionally, the Terrapins rank 18th in opponents’ effective field goal percentage (0.436), while the Wildcats rank 280th in effective field goal percentage (0.476).
Maryland Terrapins vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Maryland ranks 20th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Northwestern ranks 190th (34.6).
The Terrapins rank 96th in assists allowed per game (11.9) while the Wildcats rank 235th (15.5).
Maryland ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.9) while Northwestern ranks 150th (2.5).
The Terrapins average 23.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 110th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 188th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 10.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
