Bet on Illinois at Maryland College Hoops Action

On Thursday, the Fighting Illini from the University of Illinois head to Maryland to take on the #14 Terrapins in Big Ten basketball action. Illinois (13-16) is in 12th place in the Big Ten but is coming off an 84-71 win over Minnesota on Sunday. Maryland (23-6) is in second place in the Big Ten and just lost at #20 Purdue on Saturday, 83-79. Be sure to check out for more college basketball odds by clicking here.

Bet on Illinois at Maryland College Hoops Action

When: Thursday March 3, 7:00 PM ET Where: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland TV: ESPN, ESPN3 Radio: ESPN 980 TV Stream: WatchESPN NCAAB Odds: Maryland at -15

Why Should You Bet on the Terrapins?

The main reason why Maryland lost to Purdue is the success that the Boilermakers had when it came to rebounding. However, Illinois does not have a pair of 7-footers and another 6-9 forward that they can combine to make the lives of their opponents miserable inside. Purdue had 19 offensive boards in that game and won the second chance points battle, 24-10. However, Diamond Stone (18 points), Melo Trimble (19 points) and Jake Layman (15 points) had their usual strong games. Without the rebounding problems, Maryland should win easily over Illinois.

Why Should You Put Your Money on Illinois?

illinois-at-maryland-college-hoops-action Kendrick Nunn was the difference maker for the Fighting Illini. Minnesota has only won two conference games this season, but they had been on a two-game winning streak — and one of those wins had been over Maryland. So when Nunn turned on the offense in the second half (scoring 16 of his 25 points), joined by Malcolm Hill’s 17 points after halftime, those two outscored the Golden Gophers all by themselves in the second half, as the team went on a 52-31 run after halftime to close out a tough win. That will give them momentum and confidence heading into this matchup.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I think the Illini will give Maryland a few problems early on, but I like the Terrapins to hold fast at home and prevail, 75-67.