NCAAB: Maryland vs. Wisconsin Predictions – Tuesday, Feb. 20

Feb 14, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jahmir Young (1) makes a m move to there basket on Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ben Krikke (23) during the second half at Xfinity Center.
Image Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin Badgers (17-9) are set to host the Maryland Terrapins (14-12) in a Big Ten showdown at the Kohl Center. With both teams looking to improve their conference standings, this matchup is crucial for their postseason aspirations. Let’s run through our Maryland vs. Wisconsin predictions below.

Maryland Terrapins vs. Wisconsin Badgers Odds Info

  • Moneyline: Maryland+255 / Wisconsin -315
  • Spread: Wisconsin -7.5
  • Total: 130.5

Game Info

  • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 20
  • Time: 09:00 PM ET
  • Location: Kohl Center – Madison, WI
  • TV: Peacock

Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends

  • On the road, Maryland Terrapins are 3 and 6 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Maryland Terrapins are 10 and 16.
  • Against the spread on the road, Maryland Terrapins are 4 and 6.

Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends

  • At home, Wisconsin Badgers are 12 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Wisconsin Badgers are 11 and 14.
  • Against the spread at home, Wisconsin Badgers are 8 and 6.

Maryland Terrapins vs. Wisconsin Badgers Predictions

The Wisconsin Badgers are entering this game with a need to turn their recent form around, having won just one of their last five games. Despite their struggles, the Badgers have shown they can compete with the best, and a strong performance at home could reignite their season. Wisconsin’s offense, led by the likes of Steven Crowl and Chucky Hepburn, will need to find consistency against a Maryland defense that has been stingy in conference play, holding opponents to 66.4 points per game on 41.7 percent shooting from the floor.

Maryland, on the other hand, is coming off an emotional game marked by the passing of legendary coach Charles ‘Lefty’ Driesell. The Terrapins will look to channel that emotion into a strong performance against Wisconsin. Maryland’s offense has been buoyed by the scoring prowess of Jahmir Young, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season. The Terrapins’ defense will be tested by a Wisconsin team that has the potential to get hot from beyond the arc, despite recent shooting woes.

This game will likely come down to key matchups and which team can assert their style of play. Wisconsin’s ability to control the pace and establish Tyler Wahl in the paint could be the difference-maker, while Maryland’s success hinges on their lockdown defense and Young’s ability to score against Wisconsin’s perimeter defense. With both teams desperate for a win to bolster their tournament resumes, expect a hard-fought battle at the Kohl Center.

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Maryland Terrapins vs. Wisconsin Badgers Pick

The Wisconsin Badgers, despite their recent slump, have maintained a strong home record this season, standing at 12-2 at the Kohl Center. This home-court advantage, coupled with the urgency to rekindle their season, makes them a solid pick for the moneyline bet. The Badgers’ offense, which has shown flashes of brilliance, is due for a resurgence, and facing a Maryland team that has been inconsistent on the road presents an opportune moment. Wisconsin’s defense, which has been a concern, will be motivated to tighten up against a Maryland offense that has struggled with shooting efficiency, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten in scoring and shooting percentage in conference play.

Furthermore, the emotional toll of Maryland’s recent game, marked by the passing of Charles ‘Lefty’ Driesell, could impact their performance. While the Terrapins will look to honor their former coach with a strong showing, the Badgers’ need to bounce back and their historical success at home cannot be overlooked. Considering the odds and recent trends, including Wisconsin’s ability to cover the spread at home with an 8-6 record against the spread, a moneyline bet on the Badgers is the right pick for this game. The Kohl Center is set to be the stage for Wisconsin to assert their dominance and get back on track in the Big Ten.

The Pick: Wisconsin Badgers moneyline -315 (FanDuel)