USC (14-11) at Maryland (20-6)
- When: Feb 20 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: XFINITY Center, College Park, MD, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Game Preview
Spread: Maryland -10.5
Total: 153.0
Two teams with vastly different trajectories clash on Thursday as No. 20 Maryland hosts USC in College Park. The Terrapins have been one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, while the Trojans have struggled with consistency and turnovers. Maryland’s dominant home-court advantage could be the deciding factor in this matchup.
Maryland Terrapins Outlook
Maryland (20-6, 10-5 Big Ten) has been surging at the right time, winning three straight games and seven of its last eight. The Terps flexed their offensive firepower in a 101-75 dismantling of Iowa, outscoring the Hawkeyes by a massive 54-24 margin in the second half. Their balanced attack saw five players reach at least 16 points, led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s 26 on 11-of-14 shooting.
One of the most efficient offenses in the nation, Maryland averages 83.5 points per game (13th in Division I) and has multiple weapons to rely on. Five players average at least 12 points per game, with Derik Queen leading the charge at 16.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Julian Reese is close to averaging a double-double as well, posting 13.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest.
Maryland thrives at home, boasting an impressive 15-1 record in their own building. With a dominant rebounding presence and strong shooting numbers, the Terrapins will look to dictate the tempo against a USC team that has struggled on the defensive end.
Key Betting Trends:
Maryland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games.
The Over has hit in four of Maryland’s last six games.
Maryland is 8-1 ATS at home in Big Ten play.
USC Trojans Outlook
USC (14-11, 6-8 Big Ten) comes into this matchup needing a win to stay afloat in the postseason conversation. However, the Trojans have lost three of their last four games and suffered a brutal late-game collapse against Minnesota on Saturday. They led for nearly 36 minutes before allowing an 8-0 run in the final minutes, ultimately losing due to costly turnovers and a lack of second-chance opportunities.
Turnovers have been a major issue for USC, especially with Desmond Claude struggling in that department. The Trojans’ leading scorer (16.0 PPG) and top playmaker (4.4 APG) has turned the ball over 14 times in the past two games since returning from a bone bruise. If USC continues to give away extra possessions, it will be difficult to keep up with Maryland’s efficient attack.
On the bright side, Chibuzo Agbo and Wesley Yates III shot a combined 6-for-7 from three against Minnesota, each scoring 18 points. USC will need another hot shooting night to compete, as they are just 3-3 in true road games and have struggled against elite competition.
Key Betting Trends:
USC is 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games.
The Trojans have lost five of their last seven games outright.
The Under has hit in five of USC’s last seven games.
Final Prediction & Betting Picks
Maryland enters this game in much better form, especially at home, where they have been dominant all season. The Trojans, meanwhile, are coming off a frustrating loss and have struggled with turnovers and late-game execution.
USC does have the potential to keep things close if their shooters get hot from three, but Maryland’s superior rebounding, balanced scoring, and ability to control the tempo make them the safer bet. Expect the Terps to exploit USC’s mistakes and extend their home dominance.
Pick: Maryland -10.5
Total: Lean Under 153.0 (USC’s offense has been inconsistent, and Maryland can control the pace).
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
