The Maryland Terrapins are set to face off against the Marquette Golden Eagles in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup taking place in Milwaukee, WI. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. ET and will be available for viewing on Peacock.
Currently, Marquette is favored by 5.5 points with a moneyline of -230, while the total points for the game is set at 149.5. Analyzing both teams’ recent performances provides insight into the potential outcome of this contest.
For Maryland, under the leadership of head coach Buzz Williams, the team is looking to secure its first significant victory of the season. The Terrapins enter this matchup with a record of 2-1, having secured wins against Coppin State and Alcorn State but suffering a disappointing defeat against Georgetown. Offensively, Maryland has struggled, shooting poorly from beyond the arc; they were particularly hindered in their last game against Georgetown, where they converted just 19% of their three-point attempts.
Key player Myles Rice’s availability remains uncertain, as he missed the previous game; however, he had showcased his scoring ability with 19 points prior to his absence. Forward Pharrel Payne has been a standout for the Terrapins, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game, providing a powerful presence in the paint that could pose a challenge for Marquette’s defense.
On the other hand, Marquette aims to rebound from a tough loss to Indiana, looking for a turnaround that can bolster their confidence. Head coach Shaka Smart’s emphasis on defense has historically been a hallmark of the Golden Eagles’ strategy, although this season they rank 41st in defensive efficiency—lower compared to previous performances. Despite this, the Golden Eagles excel in forcing turnovers, which could play a vital role against Maryland’s struggling backcourt.
Chase Ross is Marquette’s leading scorer this season, averaging 18 points per game, but the team will need consistent scoring support, as no other player averages double digits. The duo of Zaide Lowery and Nigel James Jr. could emerge as key contributors to aid Ross in generating offensive production.
With both teams still working through their respective challenges, the matchup is expected to be competitive. Analyzing the statistics and trends, Marquette’s defensive focus combined with Maryland’s offensive inconsistencies may give the Golden Eagles the edge. The unique styles of play—the Terps aiming for a slower pace and Marquette preferring to push the tempo—could significantly impact the game’s flow. Consequently, a bet on Marquette to cover the spread at -5.5 seems promising for those looking to back the Golden Eagles as they strive to regain momentum in front of their home crowd.