Maryland vs Villanova Odds, Pick
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -115 | 132.5 -115o / -105u | +220 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -105 | 132.5 -115o / -105u | -275 |
Below, we have Maryland vs Villanova odds and a prediction, including a college basketball betting guide for Friday, Nov. 17.
It's already gut check time two weeks into the college basketball season for Maryland and Villanova. Both teams received praise during the offseason as potential breakout teams this year, but the early results are disappointing — to say the least.
Maryland enters this game with a 1-2 record, fresh off a pair of losses to Davidson and UAB on a neutral court. The Terrapins have struggled to shoot the basketball, making just 22% of their shot attempts from long range through three games.
There have been a few bright spots for Villanova, which began the year with two blowout wins over American and Le Moyne. But it took a turn for the worst when Villanova lost to Penn by four points this past Monday.
Both squads are relying on new faces that have yet to find their footing. Two teams enter, and one will walk away with an optimism-inducing victory Friday night.
Maryland Terrapins
For Maryland, it starts in the backcourt with the pairing of Jahmir Young and DeShawn Harris-Smith. Young operated as the Terps' best player last season and was picked as a first team All-Big Ten guard by experts this offseason.
Young has been productive to start the season, but he has at least three turnovers in each game and is only shooting 4-of-13 from 3.
Young's partner in crime is Harris-Smith, a highly-regarded freshman combo guard. Harris-Smith has played big minutes already this season, but he's been extremely left-hand dominant and struggles to get going if he can't get all the way to the rim.
Harris-Smith is shooting just 10-of-27 from the floor and has only made one 3-point field goal in three games.
Villanova's 2-point defense has been its strength, so Maryland will need to take care of the ball and make shots from outside to win this one on the road, which is easier said than done.
Villanova Wildcats
Unlike Maryland, Villanova has shown signs of the team that many people thought it could be this year. The Wildcats shoot a ton of 3s and have made nine or more in all three games thus far. Shooting appears to be a team-wide strength, as Nova has made 87% of its free throws, good for third-best in the entire country.
Justin Moore has been a quality first option, scoring 10, 21 and 25 in three games thus far. Moore looks healthy again after battling injuries for much of last season.
In the loss against Penn, it was Villanova's supporting cast that let it down. High-profile transfers Tyler Burton and TJ Bamba combined for just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the floor. The Cats will need more from those two to win safely against Maryland.
Maryland vs. Villanova
Betting Pick & Prediction
With both teams desperate, it's likely we'll see focused versions of themselves, albeit with some added pressure and potentially some nerves.
It wouldn't be a surprise if home court is a factor for Villanova. With a raucous crowd expected, Maryland's turnover issues (294th in the country in turnover rate offensively) are going to come into play, and Villanova (15th) will have more possessions to work with.
Take Villanova to get the big win and the cover at home.
Pick: Villanova -6
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