Expert prediction
No. 11 Illinois vs Maryland Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 8)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Fighting Illini are solid on the road with a 7-2 record.
- The Terrapins are second-to-last in the Big Ten standings.
- This marks the 27th all-time matchup between the two Big Ten squads.
Some of the biggest matchups of the March 8 slate will happen in the Big Ten when the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini visit the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday afternoon. The visitors come out as the dominant favorite, looking forward to ending the year strong.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, March 8, 3 pm ET
- Where: XFINITY Center, College Park, Maryland
- How to Watch: FOX
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | -115 | -14.5 | O159 |
| Maryland | -105 | +14.5 | U159 |
Game Preview
The No. 11 Fighting Illini (23-7, 14-5 Big Ten) seek a solid win on the road, recently bouncing back from a loss to Michigan with a blowout win over Oregon. Illinois ranks second in the Big Ten with a scoring average of 84.5 points per game. They rank second in the Big Ten averaging 11.2 three-pointers and has made 10 or more 3-pointers in a Big Ten-leading 22 games this season with a 17-5 record. Keaton Wagler ranks fifth in the Big Ten in scoring during conference play, averaging 20.3 points. He also ranks fifth in the Big Ten in 3-point field goal shooting at 42.0% (73-174).
The Terrapins (11-19, 4-15 Big Ten) have had brutal performances in conference play, going through an active three-game losing streak. They are second-to-last in the standings, only above Penn State’s 3-16 record in Big Ten Play. Andre Mills has been on a tear of late averaging 20.1 points in the last seven games thanks to 46.2% shooting from the floor and 43.4% from beyond the arc (23-of-53). In the last 12 games, the redshirt freshman has averaged a team-best 16.9 points per game shooting 47.0 percent (70-of-149) overall and 43.2 percent (32-of-74) from deep.
Illinois vs Maryland Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 26 meetings in their history, and the result is 17-9 for the Terrapins. The last matchup was in January this year when Illinois won 89-70 at home.
Illinois vs Maryland Predictions
Illinois looks to secure a top four finish in the Big Ten ahead of the conference tournament, standing out as one of the best teams in the country. As for Maryland, the squad hopes to end the season with a win at home, needing a strong scoring performance from Andre Mills. However, if they can’t limit Illinois’ production from downtown, expect the visitors to come out of the Terrapins’ arena with a victory. Our betting pick here is the Fighting Illini to defend a 14.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -14.5
NCAAB
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