Fighting Illini vs. Terrapins Prediction
The third-ranked Maryland Terrapins are double-digit favorites this afternoon as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini in their Big Ten Conference opener. Can Maryland cover the big spread?
Game Snapshot
721 Illinois Fighting Illini at 722 Maryland Terrapins
Saturday, December 7, 2019
XFINITY Center at 5PM ET
TV: ESPN2
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According to oddsmakers, the Terrapins are 11-point favorites on the spread line. The total is set at 146 points. As of Saturday morning, 55 percent of public bets are siding with host Marlyand. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Fighting Illini edged by Hurricanes
Ilinois was unable to rally all the way back from a big deficit at home Monday night as it fell 81-79 against Miami. The Fighting Illini (6-2, 5-1 home) outscored the Hurricanes 48-31 in the second half but ultimately fell short. Kofi Cockburn paced Illinois with 23 points on 8-of-8 shooting plus 7-of-8 at the free throw line. He also pulled down four rebounds. Trent Frazier tallied 14 points, two boards and two assists. Ayo Dosunmu contributed 12 points, four dimes and two steals. Andres Feliz added 11 points, six caroms and three assists.
Terrapins dominate Fighting Irish
Maryland secured a 72-51 victory Wednesday night at home over Notre Dame in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Terrapins (9-0, 6-0 home) led 32-20 at halftime en route to the win. Jalen Smith paced Maryland with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting including 2-of-3 from 3-point distance plus 3-of-6 at the charity stripe. He also racked up 16 rebounds, five blocked shots and three assists. Eric Ayala tallied 14 points, five boards, five dimes and two steals. Aaron Wiggins contributed 11 points, seven caroms and three blocks. Darryl Morsell added 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Illinois
The Fighting Illini are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. Illinois is 0-4 ATS in its last four games as an underdog.
Maryland
The Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. Maryland is 36-16-4 ATS in its last 56 Saturday games.
Prediction:
Maryland keeps churning along and has played a reasonably tough schedule with its last four opponents all in the top 100. The Terrapins are top 15 nationally in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, while the Fighting Illini are lacking on the defensive end. Even so, in a Big Ten opener I expect Illinois to come ready to play. Maryland has not been tested much, but I think there is a great opportunity here for the Fighting Illini to give a competitive game. I’m taking the points in this spot.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI +11