The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (16-6, 7-4 Big 10) travel to No. 9 Maryland to take on the Terrapins (17-4, 7-3 Big 10) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Maryland Terrapins Betting Prediction
In the Scarlet Knights’ last outing, they were topped by the Michigan Wolverines, 69-63. Michigan’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Rutgers. The Wolverines had a rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.177), while the Scarlet Knights posted a mark of 0.036 (below their season average of 0.209). Montez Mathis was Rutgers’ leading scorer with 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The Terrapins were victorious over the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes in their last contest, 82-72. Maryland was effective at getting and making free throws. The Terrapins made 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent), while the Hawkeyes were 14-17 (82.4 percent). Anthony Cowan Jr. was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between two of the NCAA’s best defenses. Maryland currently ranks 30th in defensive efficiency (91.7) and Rutgers is 15th (89.6). Additionally, the Scarlet Knights, who rank 283rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.198), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Terrapins, who rank 15th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.156).
After the Terrapins won the sole game against the Scarlet Knights last season, 77-63, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Maryland did an excellent job of making free throws (14-20; 70.0 percent). Rutgers, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 vs. 18.2).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Maryland ranks 80th in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Rutgers ranks 255th (18.0).
The Scarlet Knights rank 94th in steals per game (7.0) while the Terrapins rank 235th (4.9).
Rutgers ranks 32nd in blocks per game (4.7) while Maryland ranks 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
The Scarlet Knights rank 13th in rebounds per game (40.9) while the Terrapins rank 91st in rebounds allowed per game (33.8).
Rutgers averages 13.5 assists per game, which ranks 126th in the nation. Maryland ranks 133rd in assists allowed per game (12.7).
The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 10.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
