Monday January 4th NCAAB Maryland at Indiana Pick and Betting Preview
A Couple of 6-4 Big Ten Teams Tip Off Their New Year
The Hoosiers are a -5 point favorite at home as the NCAAB Maryland at Indiana pick is the first game of 2021 for both teams. IU has started off 3-1 at Assembly Hall but need OT to get a 2-point home win over 3-4 Penn State last time out as -6.5 favorites.
The Terrapins are somewhat of a mystery coming into this game as well, riding high after an upset 70-64 win at #8 Wisconsin as +10 point underdogs only to fall 84-73 at home to #10 Michigan last Thursday albeit as +3 point home ‘dogs. The Terrapins have won three straight in this series, including 77-76 in Bloomington last year when the Hoosiers were listed at -2 at home.
Maryland Shoots for Consistency
Everybody knew it was going to be an interesting start to the season for this year’s Maryland squad after losing Jalen Smith to the NBA and Anthony Cowan, Jr. to graduation, both 1st team All Big-Ten selections last year. The Terrapins have yet to replace that star power, but Eric Ayala, Donta Scott, and Aaron Wiggins are a consistent scoring trio that combines for over 38 ppg.
Mark Turgeon may really miss his duo from last year heading into the NCAAB Maryland at Indiana pick. Smith had 29 points and 11 rebounds vs. the Hoosiers and Cowan added 18 as the Terrapins scored the final 7 points of the game in winning by one. Another double-digit scorer from last year’s meeting is also missing Monday’s tilt as Darryl Morsell suffered a fractured facial bone in the loss to Michigan on New Year’s Eve.
Morsell is the best perimeter defender for the Big Ten’s #4 scoring defense, but Terps fans should be optimistic about an increased role for Hakim Hart. The sophomore had 32 points in 28 minutes earlier this season in a blowout over St. Peter’s fueled by going 5-7 from three.
Indiana Get the Edge at Home?
Even a win against Penn State last Wednesday doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence in Hoosiers backers. That game was a lot tougher than it should’ve been with IU needing OT to get a victory as -6.5 favorites. The battle with the Nittany Lions continues a rough stretch that has seen Indiana lose by 9 at Illinois and get upset 74-67 at home vs. Northwestern as -9 favorites.
The loss to the Wildcats and a close tilt with Penn State are what makes giving the -5 a bit leery for Monday’s tilt. Northwestern shot 56% from the floor in their win in Bloomington and Penn State hit at 48%. Maryland has the 3rd worst offense in the Big Ten – but the only problem with that is IU is 2nd worst.
The Hoosiers will have the best player on the court in this matchup, as Trayce Jackson-Davis continues his strong play with 21 points over PSU. Jackson-Davis is the #5 scorer and rebounder in the Big Ten, but Maryland also has the #4 defensive rebounding team in the conference. Jackson-Davis had 13/8 in last year’s 1-point Hoosiers loss.
Free NCAAB Maryland at Indiana Pick
A slight 56% of the betting public likes Indiana here, and Maryland has lost a ton of production from last year’s 1-point win in Bloomington. That being said, IU has done nothing to inspire giving the 5 points, including a loss to Northwestern and having to go to OT vs. Penn State – both at home.
Maryland 68 – Indiana 63
Free Pick: Maryland +5
