Get ready for college tournament action when the Villanova Wildcats meet the Maryland Terrapins in the opening round of the Saatva Empire Classic.
Maryland is one of the highest-scoring groups in D1 basketball, and my Villanova vs. Maryland predictions expect the Terrapins' high-scoring ways to continue today.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Sunday, November 24, and televised on ESPN.
Villanova vs Maryland prediction
My best bet
Maryland team total Over 71.5 (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
The Maryland Terrapins enter this game with a 4-1 record, including four wins against cupcakes and a tough home loss to Marquette. They boast one of the nation's highest-scoring offenses, but their success is based on defense.
That defense fuels the Maryland offense. The Terrapins average 24.5 points per game from turnovers, which fuels their 86 points per game. They are pesky, force deflections, and turn steals into buckets.
The Villanova Wildcats beat the lower-ranked schools on KenPom’s rankings but are 0-3 against anyone with a pulse. They allowed 90 points to Columbia because their 3-point defense is No. 313 at KenPom, and their interior defense isn’t much better.
Maryland may not score 86 points on a neutral court, but 72 points is a reasonable target. Villanova commits 13 turnovers per game, which the Terrapins will turn into layups. They're too good a scoring team from inside the arc and shoot 72% from the charity stripe.
Villanova’s defense is still a work in progress. They’ve allowed 72+ points twice this season, and Maryland is by far the best offense its seen. Maryland should climb over this team total.
Villanova vs Maryland same-game parlay
I like Maryland to exceed its team total, which should send this game Over the game total, with the Terrapins covering the alternate number.
The Wildcats can knock down the triple, and they average 13 dimes per game. Both groups are good offensive rebounders, leading to enough second-chance opportunities for both sides.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Villanova vs Maryland odds
Villanova vs Maryland live odds
Villanova vs Maryland opening odds
- Spread: Villanova +5.5 | Maryland -5.5
- Moneyline: Villanova +188 | Maryland -225
- Over/Under: Over 138.5 | Under 138.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Villanova vs Maryland betting trend to know
The Over is 5-1 in Villanova's last six games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Villanova vs. Maryland.
How to watch Villanova vs Maryland
Location: | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ |
Date: | Sunday, 11-24-2024 |
Tip-off: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | ESPN |
Villanova vs Maryland key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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