Offense meets defense when the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-3, 1-2 Big 10) visit Maryland to take on the No. 12 Terrapins (12-2, 2-1 Big 10). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Free Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last outing, they were topped by the Wisconsin Badgers, 61-57. Wisconsin’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Ohio State. The Badgers had a rate of 13.7 (better than their season average of 15.5), while the Buckeyes posted a mark of 20.4 (above the 16.8 mark opponents have averaged against Wisconsin this season). Kaleb Wesson was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Terrapins beat the Indiana Hoosiers in their last matchup, 75-59. The Terrapins had a superb turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 15.3) and had a free throw rate of 0.339 (above their season average of 0.288). Jalen Smith was the game’s high scorer with 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field.
After the Terrapins won both games against the Buckeyes last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Maryland won 72-62. The Terrapins knocked down 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 25.0).
Baskets could be hard to come by in this showdown between a pair of the NCAA’s best defenses. Maryland ranks 25th in defensive efficiency (88.0) and Ohio State is 17th (86.5). Also, the Buckeyes, who rank eighth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.304), will face a difficult test against the Terrapins, who rank 25th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.156).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Ohio State ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Maryland ranks 133rd (4.1).
The Buckeyes rank 15th in assists allowed per game (9.3) while the Terrapins rank 96th (12.0).
Ohio State ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Maryland ranks 73rd (6.0).
The Buckeyes average 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 129th in the NCAA. The Terrapins rank 188th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
Ohio State ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Maryland ranks 93rd (33.6).
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 17.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
