It will be a matchup between two stifling defenses when the 24th-ranked Maryland Terrapins (20-7, 11-5 Big 10) square off with the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-9, 7-8 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Maryland Terrapins ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Terrapins barely escaped the 21st-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 66-65, while the Buckeyes beat the Northwestern Wildcats 63-49.
The Buckeyes held the Wildcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.360 (below their season average of 0.474). The Wildcats had a free throw rate of 0.140 (below their season average of 0.235). Meanwhile, Maryland’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Iowa. The Terrapins had a rate of 0.528 (above their season average of 0.528), while the Hawkeyes posted a mark of 0.397 (below their season average of 0.548). Bruno Fernando had a solid performance for Maryland, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Ohio State, meanwhile, received a boost from Kaleb Wesson, who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Fernando led the Terrapins to a 75-61 victory. He recorded a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. One of Maryland’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Buckeyes were 9-12 (75.0 percent).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Maryland currently ranks 318th in possessions per game (66.0) and Ohio State is 298th (66.6).
Ohio State at Maryland Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Maryland ranks 20th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Ohio State ranks 181st (34.9).
- The Buckeyes rank 156th in steals per game (5.7) while the Terrapins rank 170th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- The Terrapins rank 23rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Buckeyes rank 177th (2.5).
- Ohio State ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.9) while Maryland ranks 64th (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 58.4 points per game (11.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (4.8 below their season average).
- The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 7.9 for the season.
