Maryland vs Northwestern: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | January 16, 2025

The Northwestern Wildcats and Maryland Terrapins clash in Evanston, each entering with opposing momentum. Northwestern seeks to end a three-game losing streak, while Maryland looks to extend its two-game winning streak. Despite Maryland’s recent success, questions linger about their consistency and ability to perform on the road. Meanwhile, Northwestern’s home-court advantage and tough schedule make them a dangerous underdog in this matchup.

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Maryland vs Northwestern Odds

Can Northwestern bounce back and secure a win after three straight losses?

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

Maryland: -1.5 (-115)

Northwestern: +1.5 (-105)

Total

Over: 141 (-108)

Under: 141 (-112)

Moneyline

Maryland: -125

Northwestern: +105

Maryland vs Northwestern Best Bet

Heading to Evanston, Illinois, where the Northwestern Wildcats host the Maryland Terrapins, these two teams are riding completely different streaks. The Wildcats are on a three-game losing streak, while the Terrapins have won two in a row.

I am not high on this Maryland team at all—they are inconsistent. Their last two wins are far from impressive: beating a crumbling opponent that had to travel from the West Coast to the East Coast takes a toll, and they only beat Minnesota by six points despite being 15.5-point favorites. The Golden Gophers are not good, and neither is Maryland.

According to Haslametrics, Northwestern has a massive home-court advantage, ranking 101st in home/away metrics, while Maryland ranks as the fifth worst. The Wildcats also boast a significant edge in strength of schedule, with the 28th toughest in the nation.

In nine home games this season, the Wildcats have boasted a top-50 defense and a top-110 offense. They excel at protecting the basketball and forcing turnovers. Their biggest weakness is shooting from deep, ranking 286th in three-point percentage. However, Northwestern ranks 345th in three-point rate, showing they do not rely heavily on the long ball. Defensively, they rank in the top 150 in effective field goal percentage defense, defensive rebounding, free throw rate defense, and two-point defense.

Maryland, on the other hand, has struggled immensely in three true road games. Defensively, they are terrible at guarding the interior (21st worst), they rarely force turnovers (262nd), and their effective field goal percentage defense ranks in the high 200s. While they have a strong offense, Northwestern’s slow pace will disrupt their rhythm if the Terrapins cannot push the tempo.

Do Not Trust Maryland

I have been unimpressed with Maryland all year. Their stats suggest a team that should be dominating opponents with ease, but they consistently underperform against quality teams. So far, they are 3-4 against top-100 opponents. While their metrics show a top-20 offense and top-60 defense, their wins against Villanova, Ohio State, and UCLA are far from impressive.

I believe Northwestern, as home underdogs against a team that has proven nothing on the road, is a great play—especially considering how badly the Wildcats need a win.