Maryland Surge with Rising Stars, Ohio State Seek Consistency in Big Ten Showdown

Maryland Terrapins vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Big Ten Showdown Preview and Prediction

As the Big Ten basketball season intensifies, a compelling conference matchup is set to take place Thursday evening, featuring the #18 Maryland Terrapins (17-5, 7-4 Big Ten) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-9, 5-6 Big Ten) in Columbus. Maryland enters the game with momentum, having surged into the AP Poll after impressive victories, while Ohio State looks to bounce back from a recent loss. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of both teams and a prediction for this exciting encounter.

Maryland Terrapins: Rising Stars and Streaking Strong

After a solid week that propelled them into the rankings, the Maryland Terrapins are proving their strength in the Big Ten. The Terrapins come off a decisive 76-68 win over #17 Wisconsin, covering the 5.5-point spread as favorites. This victory was part of a four-game win streak that also included triumphs over Indiana and Illinois, both of which were ranked at the time. Now sitting sixth in the Big Ten, Maryland trails Purdue by 2.5 games for the conference lead.

A key factor in Maryland’s rise has been their balanced scoring attack and defensive prowess. Junior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie has been a standout, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds in the Wisconsin win. Gillespie, who leads the team in three-pointers (54 made, 41.5%), has been scorching hot, scoring 15+ points in his last four games, including a 22-point outing against Nebraska.

Another major player is freshman forward Derik Queen, who is showcasing an old-school post game. Queen is averaging 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, with a standout 25-point performance in the win over Illinois. Complementing Queen is Julian Reese, who leads the team with 9.1 rebounds per game and chips in 13.7 points per contest.

Maryland’s offense ranks 18th in efficiency (KenPom), and their defensive rating is equally impressive, sitting 23rd. The Terrapins play at a solid pace, ranking 79th in Division I for tempo, which allows them to maintain a balance between quick scoring and solid defensive execution.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Searching for Consistency

The Ohio State Buckeyes, after a promising three-game win streak, faced a tough road challenge at #18 Illinois, losing 87-79. Despite leading by 10 with 17 minutes remaining, Ohio State faltered and couldn’t close out the game. The loss puts the Buckeyes at 5-6 in Big Ten play, tied for eighth place in the conference.

Despite the setback, Ohio State has some bright spots, with Devin Royal emerging as a key contributor. The 6’6 sophomore forward led the team with 29 points against Illinois, and he’s been a consistent presence, averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Royal’s performance has been crucial for Ohio State, particularly with the departure of some of their veteran leadership.

Junior guard Bruce Thornton is Ohio State’s top scorer, averaging 17.1 points per game, and has been exceptional from three-point range, shooting 45.9% from deep. Thornton is also the team’s leader in assists, averaging 4.2 per game, making him a dual-threat both as a scorer and playmaker. Freshman guard John Mobley Jr. has also impressed, shooting 41.6% from three and contributing 13.0 points per game.

Ohio State ranks 25th overall in KenPom rankings, with their offense sitting at 32nd in efficiency and their defense at 27th. The Buckeyes play a slower tempo, ranked 187th in pace of play, which contrasts with Maryland’s faster style.

Conclusion

This Maryland vs Ohio State matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling Big Ten showdown. While Ohio State has potential with key players like Thornton and Royal, Maryland’s balanced offense, solid defense, and depth should allow them to secure the win. For those looking to place a wager, consider Maryland covering the spread, especially given their recent form and ability to dominate both ends of the floor.

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