Maryland Terrapins vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

Thursday will feature a battle of Big Ten teams as the Maryland Terrapins (8-5, 0-2 in Big Ten) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (10-3, 3-0 in Big Ten). The Illini will host this one at the State Farm Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.
Maryland had its three-game winning streak snapped on Monday as they lost to Iowa 80-75 on the road. In the loss, the Terrapins had five players score in double digits, led by guard Eric Ayala with 19 points.
The Illini come into this one, having won three games in a row. On Tuesday, they beat Minnesota on the road 76-53.
Kofi Cockburn dominated in the victory as he had a double-double with 29 points and ten rebounds. Jacob Grandison (11) and Alfonso Plummer (10) also had double-digit points.
The Illini are the favorites in this one playing at home. They are -1000 to win while the Terrapins’ moneyline sits at +550. The spread features Maryland +11 (-110).
By The Numbers
Illinois has the stronger of the two offenses in this matchup. They rank 14th in the nation in scoring averaging 80.8 points per game (87.1 at home). The Terrapins rank 160th averaging 70.7 points.
Defensively, it is again Illinois with the advantage. They rank 70th in the nation in scoring defense allowing opponents an average of 64.6 points per game. Maryland ranks 107th allowing 66.9 points (72.8 on the road).
Maryland Looking For First Conference Win
At 0-2 in the Big Ten, the Terrapins would love to give the Illini their first conference loss while picking up their first win. To do so, they will also have to pick up their first road win, as they are 0-1 on the road thus far this season.
Leading the Terrapins in scoring is senior guard Eric Ayala. On the season, he is averaging 15.2 points on 38.8% shooting. He is also adding 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
The Terrapins have three others averaging double digits in Fatts Russell (12.6 points, four rebounds, 3.6 assists), Donta Scott (11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds), and Qudus Wahab (10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds).
Illini Trying To Show They Are For Real
The Illini came into this season with high expectations, especially after center Kofi Cockburn and guard Trent Frazier decided to return. Those two, alongside Andre Curbelo, were expected to be a major NCAA championship contenders.
Unfortunately, Curbelo has played in just four games due to a neck injury, and the Illini as a whole has shown some signs of inconsistency. Still, with Cockburn in the interior, they are a tough matchup for any team, and Illinois is out to show they are worthy of being considered a national powerhouse.
Speaking of Cockburn, in 10 games this season, he is averaging 22.5 points on 60.9% shooting. He is also pulling down 11.9 rebounds per game and is averaging 1.2 blocks per game.
Senior guard Alfonso Plummer has definitely stepped up his game this season. He is averaging 16.8 points on 49.3% shooting.
Aside from Cockburn and Plummer, guards Jacob Grandison (12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists) and Trent Frazier (11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals) have also been sensational this year.
Take Maryland And The Points
The outcome of this one will be based on how well big man Qudus Wahab can contain Kofi Cockburn. The Illinois big man will get his points, but the Terrapins could have a chance if Wahab can minimize the damage while staying out of foul trouble.
Regardless, the Terrapins have played teams tough this year. None of their losses have been by more than eight points, and four of them were by five or less.
Still, the Terrapins have a big challenge on their hands as they face off with Illinois, especially at the State Farm Center, where Illinois is 6-1.
Expect Illinois to win this one, but the Terrapins have the ammo to keep it close. Take Maryland +11.