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College Basketball

Maryland vs. Rutgers Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
6 minute read

Feb. 21, 2021
Thom Cunningham
NCAA BK Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Maryland Terrapins are in a must-win game, hitting the road to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Tip for this crucial Big Ten game is set for 3 p.m. (ET) from the RAC in Piscataway, New Jersey.

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Maryland-Rutgers Betting Odds

Line Movements

  • Spread: Rutgers -4
  • Money-Line: Rutgers -250 Maryland +190
  • Total: 130.5

Odds Subject to Change

Rutgers enters this home game as the -4-point favorite, covering 10 of 20 games this season. Maryland has failed to cover the spread in 13 of 22 games this season.

The point total is set at a somewhat low 130.5, which slightly favors the UNDER when combining team trends. Maryland is 10-11-1 on the O/U, while Rutgers is 9-10-1 - favoring the UNDER slightly at 19-21-2.


Rutgers center Myles Johnson averages a near double-double for the Scarlet Knights, posting 8.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. (AP)

Betting Analysis – Maryland Terrpains

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 13-10
  • ATS: 9-13
  • SU - Home: 10-5
  • SU - Away: 3-5
  • O/U: 10-11-1

Maryland enters this game on the March Madness bubble, most likely looking from the outside in. A win here might change that perception for the committee, as the Terrapins have notched some key road wins already this season.

They've beaten Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota all on the road along with beating Minnesota and Purdue at home. Aaron Wiggins averages 13.5 points per game, while leading scorer Eric Ayala is scoring at an incredibly consistent pace.

Ayala has scored 12 points or more in six straight games. While the offense is lacking with 69.7 points per game (ranks 228th), the Terrapins have a solid defense to hang their hats on. Maryland allows just 65.6 points per game (ranks 62nd), although they don't see many steals or blocks in general.

One of the hidden strengths of this team is three-point shooting, connecting on 8.2 per game which ranks 86th in the nation. That starts with Ayala and Wiggins, but also reflects on Donta Scott and Jairus Hamilton. Maryland typically needs at least two of the four to hit their long distance shots, all attempting three or more per game.

Betting Analysis – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 12-8
  • ATS: 10-9-1
  • SU - Home: 9-3
  • SU - Away: 3-5
  • O/U: 9-10-1

Rutgers is coming off a loss to Michigan, in a game where Rutgers finished much better than they started. That's something the team can build off of at home, now playing a desperate team in a venue they typically win inside.

Ron Harper Jr. was finally able to connect from deep against Michigan, so perhaps his three-point consistency will come back moving forward. He leads the team in points per game with 16. Myles Johnson will look to get going as well, playing well against Michigan's Dickinson.

Geo Baker is the glue for this team though, Rutgers' most reliable ball handler in big situations. Rutgers' defense has improved over the last month or so, climbing to an efficiency average of 99.1 which ranks 163rd. That is a massive improvement from where this club was in early conference play.

Rutgers averages 5.3 blocks per game (ranks 11th nationally) and averages eight steals per game (ranks 46th nationally). Seeing Rutgers able to improve on its defense when needed is encouraging moving forward. The team seems capable to adjust in games, and even held Michigan scoreless in six-plus minutes.


Inside the Stats – Maryland Terrapins

  • PS/G: 69.7 (228th)
  • PA/G: 65.6 (62nd)
  • Off Rtg: 104.8 (125th)
  • Def Rtg: 98.5 (146th)

Inside the Stats – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

  • PS/G: 71.5 (183rd)
  • PA/G: 68 (115th)
  • Off Rtg: 104 (136th)
  • Def Rtg: 99.1 (163rd)

Key Players to Watch

  • MARY - Aaron Wiggins (13.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
  • MARY - Eric Ayala (14.6 PPG)
  • RUTG - Ron Harper Jr. (16 PPG, 6 RPG)
  • RUTG - Jacob Young (14.2 PPG)

Maryland-Rutgers Predictions

Rutgers should win this game at home, coming off a tough road loss and hungry to continue playing as well as it ended its last game. Four points is a bit generous, so consider the spread with the 9-13 ATS record for Maryland entering. The point total is also a bit low considering each team should cross 60 points.

Although Rutgers is improving on defense, Maryland is too good of a team on the road to roll over. They are desperate to win this game or their March Madness dreams are surely over (outside winning Big Ten Tournament). Consider the OVER for the low point total given, featuring two teams with plenty to play for which should see lots of buckets go in.

  • Score Prediction: Rutgers 68 Maryland 63
  • Best Bets: Rutgers -4
  • Best Bets: OVER

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