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West Virginia vs Maryland Predictions & Odds (March 16)

Nick Holz

by Nick Holz in College Basketball

Updated Mar 15, 2023 · 1:09 PM PDT

Maryland Terrapins guard Jahmir Young dribbles up the court
Mar 10, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jahmir Young (1) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
  • West Virginia meets Maryland in round of 64 NCAA Tournament action
  • West Virginia is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
  • Check out all the West Virginia vs Maryland odds and picks, below

No. 9 seed West Virginia (19-14, 10-8 Big 12) meets no. 8 seed Maryland (25-6, 15-3 Big 10) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament bracket on Thursday, March 16th. Be sure to get all of your bets in early, as this West Virginia vs Maryland March Madness matchup tips-off at 1215pm ET.

West Virginia had won three in a row, and covered the spread in 5 straight games, before falling to Kansas 78-61 on March 9th.

Meanwhile, the Maryland Terrapins fell 70-60 to the Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten Tournament action during their last trip to the court.

West Virginia vs Maryland tips-off from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday. CBS will carry the broadcast.

West Virginia vs Maryland Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
West Virginia -2 -130 Over 137.5 (-110)
Maryland +2 +110 Under 137.5 (-110)

West Virginia enters Thursday’s action as 2-point favorites over Maryland in the college basketball odds. The Mountaineers are -130 favorites on the moneyline, with the Terrapins a live +110 underdog. The total for West Virginia vs Maryland sits at 137.5.

 

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Odds as of March 14th at Draftkings Sportsbook

Can West Virginia Take It Home?

The Mountaineers return to the March Madness after failing to qualify for the tournament last year.

West Virginia dominated Texas Tech 78-62 before falling to Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament. Fifth-year senior Erik Stevenson leads the team with 15.5 points on 38.1% shooting from downtown this season.

West Virginia’s top tier offense (15th in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rankings) will have to make up for its failing defense (52nd) vs Maryland. The Mountaineers have surrendered a concerning 73.2 points per game over their last 5 contests, and will need to lock in defensively to come away with the victory on Thursday.

That being said, West Virginia has covered the spread in five of their last six games played. While the over is 4-1 in the Mountaineers last five games following a loss.

Maryland Madness

Maryland will look to bounce back after a rocky finish to their season. The Terrapins lost the final two games of their regular season against Penn State and Michigan State, before blowing out Minnesota and coming up short against Indiana.

If Maryland is able to pull out an upset win, Jahmir Young will be a big reason why. The senior guard transferred to Maryland after three years at Charlotte and lit up the Big Ten. Young averaged 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Terrapins.

While the Terrapins offense managed just 70.7 points per game on the year, Maryland shines on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Kevin Willard’s team allowed just 63.2 points per game this season, and rank 33rd in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.

The betting trends favor the under in this NCAA tournament first round match up. After all, 3 of Maryland’s past 4 games have fallen under the total. Additionally, the Terrapins have been a resilient squad this season, going 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss.

West Virginia vs Maryland Prediction

While the Mountaineers have scored in bunches for long stretches of this season, the best unit in this game is the Terrapins defense. Don’t forget, Maryland started this season on a tear, winning 8 straight contests.

Additionally, the Terrapins are a battle-tested unit, boasting victories over the likes of Miami, Illinois, Indiana and Purdue. The Terrapins are more than capable of keeping it close against a mediocre West Virginia team and grinding out a late victory. Take Maryland and the points.

West Virginia vs Maryland Pick: Maryland +2 (-110), Maryland to win (+110)

 

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