The Indiana Hoosiers scored a big win over then-No. 13 Maryland on January 22, but losses in three of their next five have knocked the Hoosiers out of the top 25. Maryland has also struggled since that loss, alternating close wins with blowout losses to Ohio State and Iowa.
Which of these two teams get out of their funk? Read on as we give you a complete look at this critical Big Ten clash.
Looking for top-flight action? Then check out our preview for Pittsburgh vs. No. 9 Louisville as well as No. 2 Virginia vs. NC State.
[sc:MarchMadness ]Indiana Hoosiers vs. Maryland Terrapins Preview
Where: XFINITY Center, Maryland
When: Wednesday, February 11, 9:00 PM ET
Line: Indiana Hoosiers at Maryland Terrapins – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers notched one of their best wins of the season the last time these two teams met, beating Maryland 89-70 on January 22. The Hoosiers rode their high-octane offense in that game. They shot 60 percent from the field and 68 percent from the three-point line. Four of the Hoosiers’ starters scored in double digits, and none shot below 50 percent.
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Indiana’s three losses following the big game against Maryland have all come on the road. The Hoosiers were outscored by an average of 14 points in those losses despite shooting 48 percent from the field.
Yogi Ferrell averaged 20 points and three assists over the three-game road slide. Having him playing up to his standards should help Indiana against Maryland. Ferrell scored a game-high 24 points on 8-for-10 shooting in the win against the Terrapins.
Forwards Troy Williams and Collin Hartman also provide the Hoosiers weapons in the frontcourt. Williams has averaged 12.8 points on 56 percent shooting over the past five games, while Hartman also sported a hot hand hitting exactly half of his field goal attempts. They should be able to find their stroke against the guard-heavy lineup of Maryland.
Ferrell, Williams and Hartman will look to challenge a Maryland team that’s in a defensive slump, allowing an average of 73 points in its last five games. Ferrell may also be able to open up on his playmaking especially after Maryland allowed 18 assists in its previous game. The junior guard has averaged 4.8 assists per game this season.
Indiana is 1-4 ATS over its last five games.
Banking on Indiana to take another momentous upset? Create a betting account now and back this live ‘dog.
Betting on the Maryland Terrapins
There’s some good news and bad news for the Maryland Terrapins. The bad: a slow start and an uninspiring effort on the boards led to a 71-55 loss to Iowa on Sunday. The good: freshman star Melo Trimble got out of his shooting slump as he went 7-for-12 from the field against Iowa after failing to convert a field goal in the two games prior.
Leading the Terps with 15.4 points per game this season, Trimble should have another big scoring day against Indiana. The Hoosiers have allowed 80.4 points per road game this season. Trimble can also expect some help from Dez Wells. The senior guard-forward has averaged 15.8 points over his last four games.
Meanwhile, freshman Jared Nickens can do some damage from the perimeter against a Hoosiers defense that could be too focused on Trimble and Wells. Nickens buried 4-of-7 three-point attempts in the first matchup against Indiana.
Maryland has been badly outrebounded in its last two losses to Ohio State (51-32) and Iowa (30-19), which it must fix against Indiana. The Terps held their own on the boards against the Hoosiers in their first game, 27-24, with the slight edge to Indiana.
Maryland has won nine straight home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Maryland gets it done at home. Take the Terps to win and cover.
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