Maryland vs. Rutgers: Big Ten Clash Predictions & Best Bet

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-11 SU, 11-11-1 ATS) vs. Maryland Terrapins (17-6 SU, 11-12 ATS)

When: Sunday, February 9th, 12:00 PM (ET)

Where: XFINITY Center, MD, College Park

TV: BTN

Point Spread: RUTGER +9.5/MARY -9.5

Total: 151.5

Money Line: Rutgers Scarlet Knights +385/-520

Notable Injuries

Scarlet Knights

• Emmanuel Ogbole (Out) Knee

Terrapins

• Jahari Long (Questionable) Knee
• Chance Stephens (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Braden Pierce (Out) Eye

Recent Form

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

Rutgers improved to 12-11 on the season with an 82-73 win over Illinois on Wednesday. The Scarlet Knights were +6 underdogs heading into the game, but they not only pulled off the upset at home but also covered the spread.

After leading 37-29 at halftime, Rutgers scored 45 points in the 2nd half while allowing 44. The total points for the game ended at 155, just under the 157.5 O/U line.

Maryland Terrapins Recent Game/Games

Maryland’s record dropped to 17-6 after a 73-70 road loss to Ohio State on Thursday. The Terrapins entered the game as +2 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 143, just under the O/U line of 147.5.

Maryland led 41-32 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring only 29 points while allowing 41. This second-half collapse was a key factor in their loss.

Analysis

Rutgers put up 82 points in their latest game despite shooting just 40.7% from the field and 41.9% on two-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.8%, but they connected on 37.5% from beyond the arc, hitting six threes. The Scarlet Knights were strong at the free-throw line, making 28 of 34 attempts for an 82.4% success rate.

Offensive rebounding was a key factor, as Rutgers grabbed 16 boards on the offensive glass. Dylan Harper led the way with 28 points, shooting 46.7% overall and 60% from three (3/5) while adding six rebounds and five assists. Ace Bailey contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Will Riley also added 18 points, along with six assists.

Despite Rutgers’ defensive efforts, they gave up 73 points, with the opposing team shooting 40% from the field. The Scarlet Knights held them to 41% on two-point attempts, as they went 18/43.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers allowed six threes on 16 attempts, a 37% shooting rate. The opposing team also capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 28/34 for 82%. Rutgers gave up 16 offensive rebounds.

In their last game, Maryland’s offense put up 70 points, shooting 41.8% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range (3/13). Their effective field goal percentage was 43.6%, and they hit 70% of their free throws, going 21/30 from the line. The Terrapins grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and dished out 10 assists.

Bruce Thornton led the way with 31 points and six assists, shooting 61.1% overall and 50% from deep (2/4). Julian Reese added 24 points and 13 rebounds, hitting 77.8% of his shots, while Rodney Rice contributed 18 points, connecting on 50% of his three-point attempts (2/4).

Maryland’s defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field. They allowed 23 two-point baskets on 43 attempts, a 53% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Maryland held the other team to 4 made threes on 16 attempts, a 25% shooting performance. The opposition also went 15/18 from the free-throw line, and Maryland gave up eight offensive rebounds.

Betting Trends

• Although Rutgers has a straight-up record of 2-3 in their last five road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 2-3. The team averaged 75 points per game in these games.
• Through their last three home games, Maryland has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 2-1 while averaging 80 points per game.
• The Scarlet Knights have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 2-1 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.
• Over the team’s last five games as the favorite, the Terrapins struggled vs the spread going just 1-4. However, they still had a straight-up mark of 4-1.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

I’m not scared off by this big number (-9.5), as Maryland is better on both ends of the floor and are at home this afternoon vs Rutgers. The Terrapins currently sit 22nd in overall shooting percentage, while Rutgers is well below the NCAA average in nearly every efficiency stat. I’m taking Maryland to win and cover.