Joe’s CBB Pick: Maryland vs. Nebraska – Can the Terps Cover the Spread?

Maryland Terrapins (18-6 SU, 11-12-1 ATS) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (16-8 SU, 14-10 ATS)

When: Thursday, February 13th, 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena, NE, Lincoln

TV: BTN

Point Spread: MARY +1.5/NEBR -1.5

Total: 147.5

Money Line: Maryland Terrapins +105/-127

Notable Injuries

Terrapins

• Jahari Long (Questionable) Knee
• Tafara Gapare (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Chance Stephens (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Braden Pierce (Out) Eye

Cornhuskers

• Rienk Mast (Out) Redshirt
• Berke Buyuktuncel (Out) Ankle

Recent Form

Maryland Terrapins Recent Game/Games

Maryland improved to 18-6 on the season with a 90-81 win over Rutgers on Sunday. The Terrapins were -9 favorites at home, and the result was an ATS push. The total points of 171 exceeded the O/U line of 148.5.

Maryland led 49-38 at halftime and added 41 points in the 2nd half while allowing 43 points to Rutgers after the break.

Nebraska improved to 16-8 on the season with a 79-71 win over Ohio State on Sunday. The Cornhuskers were -2.5 favorites heading into the game and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game ended at 150, going over the pre-game line of 144.5.

After trailing 39-34 at halftime, Nebraska turned things around in the second half, outscoring the Buckeyes 45-32. The Cornhuskers’ strong defensive effort in the final 20 minutes was key to their comeback.

Analysis

Maryland put up 90 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field and 37% from three-point range. They connected on 10 threes, with Selton Miguel hitting 5 of 8 from deep. Their effective field goal percentage was 52.3%, and they shot 50% on two-pointers.

Derik Queen led the way with 29 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 56.2% from the field. Dylan Harper added 20 points, while Rodney Rice and Dylan Grant each contributed 19. The Terrapins grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and dished out 12 assists, shooting 64.7% from the free-throw line.

Maryland’s defense gave up 81 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 19 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 50% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Maryland’s opponents hit 10 threes on 27 attempts, shooting 37%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 34 times, where they made 22 free throws, shooting 64%. Maryland gave up 13 offensive rebounds.

Nebraska’s offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 79 points while shooting 51.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 57.7%, thanks in part to hitting 64.5% of their two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they connected on 33.3% of their shots, going 7-for-21.

At the free-throw line, the Cornhuskers were solid, hitting 18 of 21 attempts for 85.7%. They also dished out 15 assists, with Brice Williams contributing 4 of them to go along with his 24 points and 10 rebounds. Micah Parrish led the way with 30 points, hitting five threes, while John Mobley Jr. also knocked down five triples, shooting 50% from deep.

Nebraska’s defense struggled, giving up 71 points on 51% shooting from the field. The Cornhuskers allowed 64% shooting on two-point attempts, with their opponent hitting 20 of 31 shots inside the arc.

From three-point range, Nebraska’s defense held their opponent to 33% shooting, as they made 7 of 21 attempts. The Cornhuskers also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 18 free throws for 85%.

Betting Trends

• Across their five previous road games, Maryland has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 2-3 while averaging 78 points per game.
• In their last ten games at home, the Cornhuskers have a straight-up record of 5-5 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 70 points per game in these contests.
• The last five games that Maryland was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 1-4 straight up.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Cornhuskers have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Aside from Michigan, it is Nebraska that is the hottest team in the Big 10 right now, as their four-game winning streak includes some impressive wins over Illinois, Oregon, and Nebraska. Now, they have a chance to pick up a win on a Maryland squad that has two more wins than the Cornhuskers in the conference. Right now, Nebraska is favored by -1.5, and I see their hot play continuing at home tonight. I got the Cornhuskers -1.5.