Maryland vs Illinois Prediction 3/14/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Illinois (21-11) vs. Maryland (24-7)
March 14, 2025 6:30 pm EDT
The Line: Maryland -1.5; Over/Under: 159.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Illinois Fighting Illini and Maryland Terrapins meet Friday in the college basketball Big Ten Quarterfinal at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here’s a Maryland vs Illinois Prediction. This article will include a Maryland vs Illinois Pick.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini recently beat Iowa, Michigan, Purdue, and Iowa. Illinois looks for five straight wins for the first time since December 22 – January 8.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 83.7 points on 45 percent shooting and allowing 73.6 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 12.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Will Riley is the third double-digit scorer and Kylan Boswell is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 31 percent from beyond the arc and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 32.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.6 rebounds per game.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview
The Maryland Terrapins recently beat Penn State, Michigan, and Northwestern. Maryland is 10-2 since January 19.
The Maryland Terrapins are averaging 81.5 points on 47.5 percent shooting and allowing 66.6 points on 41.5 percent shooting. Derik Queen is averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie is averaging 14.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. Rodney Rice is the third double-digit scorer and Julian Reese is grabbing 9.3 rebounds. The Maryland Terrapins are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 75.4 percent from the free throw line. The Maryland Terrapins are allowing 30.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Maryland Terrapins will win
- Maryland has won seven of its last eight games.
- Illinois has lost four of its last five games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Maryland has won the first half in each of its last eight games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Maryland has lost nine of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Illinois has won 32 of its last 37 games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Maryland has lost the first half in eight of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Matchup/League Facts
- Maryland ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+14.9).
- Maryland ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+21.3).
- Illinois ranks T2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.4).
- Illinois ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.3).
Maryland vs Illinois Injury Report
Maryland will be without Braden Pierce, Jahari Long, and Chance Stephens. Illinois will be without Ty Rodgers, while Carey Booth is questionable with an undisclosed issue.
Maryland vs Illinois Prediction
Maryland has had the better season and is on a heater right now, with wins in eight of its last 10 games while covering seven of those games. Maryland also has the rest advantage, so it’s no wonder why oddsmakers are giving the Terps the edge. However, Illinois is a talented team and hard to turn down in the underdog role.
When Illinois is scoring the way it has recently, this team is capable of beating any in the Big Ten. Also, this is a revenge spot after Illinois got clapped by Maryland in the only meeting this season at home, losing 91-70. I’m sure this Illinois team hasn’t forgotten that game and is thrilled for a chance at get back. Expect a fun, high scoring game. I want the bucket with Illinois.
