The Purdue Boilermakers (10-7, 3-3 Big 10) travel to No. 17 Maryland to play the Terrapins (13-4, 3-3 Big 10) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Maryland Terrapins ATS Prediction
In the Boilermakers’ last matchup, they blew out the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans, 71-42. The Boilermakers had a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 15.1), while the Spartans had a free throw rate of 0.078 (below their season average of 0.277). Purdue was lifted by Trevion Williams, who was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Terrapins lost a close one to the Wisconsin Badgers in their last game, 56-54. Wisconsin’s 11.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Maryland, who had a mark of 21.0. The Badgers’ mark was better than their season average of 15.0, while the Terrapins’ was above their season average of 15.7. With 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Jalen Smith was the top scorer from either team.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Terrapins won 70-56. Maryland had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.577 vs. 0.331). Purdue, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (4.9 vs. 15.8).
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the country’s top defenses. Maryland currently ranks 20th in defensive efficiency (88.6) and Purdue is 25th (89.1). Moreover, the Boilermakers, who rank 322nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.172), could struggle to get to the line against the Terrapins, who rank 14th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.153).
Purdue at Maryland ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Purdue, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Purdue averages 22.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 108th in the NCAA. Maryland ranks 194th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
The Terrapins rank 29th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Boilermakers rank 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Maryland averages 41.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 18th in the country. Purdue ranks 84th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
The Boilermakers rank 37th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Terrapins rank 83rd (6.2).
Purdue averages 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 81st in the nation. Maryland ranks 112th in assists allowed per game (12.2).
The Boilermakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 9.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
