There’s been a lot of history going on during the first year of Maryland coach Kevin Willard’s tenure. When the Terrapins meet up with No. 16 UCLA Wednesday night, Maryland will have to play its third-ranked team in the past four games.
That is the first time the Terrapins will play three ranked teams in November since 2008-09.
Making a UCLA vs. Maryland prediction may boil down to your perception of the two programs. No. 20 Maryland caught everyone off-guard by starting 8-0 but have cooled off by losing to Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The UCLA Bruins, who are 8-2, are coming east to play a pair of difficult opponents. NCAA basketball games today have UCLA against Maryland Terrapins, which will be a warmup for the Bruins’ matchup with Kentucky later this week.
Last Games Record
UCLA beat Denver 87-64 last Saturday. The Bruins improved to 8-2 with the win. Maryland lost to Tennessee 56-53 last Sunday. The Terrapins fell to 8-2.
UCLA vs. Maryland Betting Analysis
UCLA Bruins stats show the Bruins are a veteran team that isn’t going to be overwhelmed in many environments.
Bruins Ready for Back-to-Back Challenges
The Bruins shot 49.9 percent from the field, which ranks 17th nationally. UCLA is also shooting 36.6 percent from the perimeter, which is also in the top 100.
Jamie Jaquez Jr. has put in excellent work for UCLA. The Bruins guard has led the team with 17.4 points per game and also grabs 5.3 rebounds per contest.
5-5 Against the Spread
When it comes to making a UCLA vs Maryland betting prediction, The Bruins are 5-5 against the spread this season.
UCLA has won the only road game it’s played this season. When it comes to NCAA basketball teams, not many teams have played true road games yet this season because of how the teams do their schedules.
A win here for the Bruins would help them appear ready to climb the college basketball standings.
Maryland’s Defense Puts Clamps Down on Opponents
How the defense plays is a big factor in the Maryland Terrapins odds. The Terrapins allow opponents to score 60.8 points per game, 38.3 percent from the field, and 27.6 percent from the 3-point line, all three of which rank 28th nationally.
Even if a loss to Tennessee last time out, the Terrapins only allowed 56 points.
Anyone making a UCLA vs Maryland betting prediction will want to keep an eye on guard Jahmir Young. Young leads the Terrapins by scoring 15.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Terrapins’ Offense
The Terrapins’ offense, however, has plenty of scoring options.
College basketball players stats show Maryland has four players that average in double digits scoring per game.
The Terrapins are scoring 75.8 points per game. Where Maryland has struggled is knowing down outside shots. The Terrapins shot 31.1 percent from the 3-point line, which ranks 290th nationally.
Updates
Maryland’s Ike Cornish is questionable for Wednesday’s game. UCLA doesn’t have any new players on the college basketball injury report.
- UCLA is 5-5 against the spread.
- Maryland is 8-2 against the spread.
- The Bruins have seen the total going over in seven of their ten games.
- The Terrapins have seen the total go over in three of their ten games.
- UCLA is 1-0 in true road games.
- The Terrapins are 5-0 straight up at home.
UCLA vs. Maryland Betting Preview
NCAAB odds show Maryland is a narrow 1-point favorite. The Terrapins are -118 on the money line, while the Bruins are -104. The over/under has been set at 141 points.
UCLA vs. Maryland Betting Prediction
This is an interesting game on the NCAAB schedule. Everyone thought UCLA would be a challenger for the PAC-12 title and would be in the conversation for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Anyone making UCLA vs Maryland betting predictions will see the Terrapins have flourished under a new coach.
Who to Bet On?
Maryland is seeking another win outside of conference play that will show it is serious about pursuing a conference championship.
This is a game that will swing back and forth throughout the game, but the Terrapins will utilize home-court advantage to pull away down the stretch and grab a crucial victory during a battle of the top 25 teams.
NCAAB Pick: Maryland -1 (-110)
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