The Maryland Terrapins keep answering every test during the Big Ten slate, and will head down the stretch atop the conference standings. Wisconsin is right there with them while Purdue is lurking, so a matchup against the Boilermakers this week is huge for both teams.
Maryland has won seven consecutive games heading into this one and get the game at home, so it should be favored. However, Purdue has played well against some tough foes this season, and even on the road will expect to come away with the victory.
If Purdue can win this game, it will further muddle the top of the Big Ten standings. If Maryland defends its home court, it will help turn it into a two-team race with Wisconsin.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Catch every moment of the game live on ESPN.
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Odds at BookMaker.eu
Purdue is 17-5 straight up and 12-7 against the spread. The Boilermakers have played in six true road games this season and covered in only two of them. Purdue has only been the underdog two times this season, failing to cover either of them. The Boilermakers have been much better as the favorite this season.
Maryland is 20-2 straight up and 14-7 against the spread. The Terrapins have played in 12 home games this season and have covered in half of them. Maryland has only been the favorite in 12 games and have covered in five of them. The Terrapins have gone 9-0 against the spread as the underdog this season.
Key Stat
20-2. That’s Maryland’s record coming into this matchup, but this is the first time all season the Terrapins have faced off against a ranked opponent. The team is riding a seven-game winning streak coming into this weekend.
The Terrapins’ only two losses of the season came to Pittsburgh on November 29th and Nebraska on January 1st. Maryland defeated Ohio State 77-71 on January 31st in the team’s most recent matchup.
Maryland is averaging 75.8 points per game behind leading scorer Melo Trimble who is putting up 17 points per game. Purdue will be a big test as the Terrapins look to prove they are deserving of the Top 25 rank this weekend.
Player to Watch
Caleb Swanigan – The Purdue sophomore forward has been carrying this offense this season. Swanigan is averaging 18.5 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game.
In Purdue’s 80-59 win over No. 25 Northwestern on February 1st, the youngster finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds. He has 19 double-doubles this season including five in a row coming into this matchup against Maryland.
One of Swanigan’s most impressive performances of the season came against Minnesota on January 1st. Despite the overtime loss, he finished with 28 points and 22 rebounds and will definitely be a factor in this matchup.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
Maryland has gotten off to a great start in conference play but many are waiting to see if the Terrapins are truly this good. This is a great test, as Purdue may not have the same record but is definitely a formidable foe.
The Boilermakers are angling for a nice seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and a road win over Maryland would be a feather in their cap. Maryland has similar goals in mind and also feels like the conference title is there for its taking.
The Terrapins have been underestimated at times this season but always seem to answer the bell. However, Purdue is a better for than they are used to seeing. If the Boilermakers are the underdog in this one, jump on the moneyline.
Purdue should be able to come away with a road victory to muddle the Big Ten race even more.
College Basketball Odds: Purdue 78, Maryland 74
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