Analysis of Maryland vs Michigan Matchup: Picks, Predictions, and Spread for Big Ten Semifinals

• #11 Maryland is a 4.5-point favorite over #22 Michigan in today’s Big Ten Semifinal
• The Terrapins are one of the hottest teams in the nation, winning eight of their last nine
• See my Maryland vs Michigan Picks, Predictions and Spread, below

The Big Ten tournament rolls on Saturday with a semifinal tilt between #11 Maryland (25-7, 14- 6 Big Ten) and #22 Michigan (23-9, 14-6 Big Ten). Both teams enter fresh off convincing wins, but online sportsbooks are siding with the Terrapins in the latest college basketball odds. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30pm ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis, IN, with CBS providing the broadcast coverage.

Maryland vs Michigan Spread and Odds

Maryland currently a 4.5-point favorite and -185 on the moneyline, while the total is sitting at 150.5. Per the college basketball public betting trends, the Terps have covered in six of their last eight, which includes a win over the Wolverines. Michigan comes back as +154 moneyline underdogs.

Odds as of March 15 at DraftKings. See the full list of DraftKings legal states.

Maryland vs Michigan Predictions (Big Ten Semifinal)

My predictions for this contest is that Maryland continues its red-hot play. They enter with eight wins in their past nine games, with the lone loss coming on a buzzer-beating heave by #8 Michigan State. The Terrapins have six victories of at least 8 points during this stretch, and just thrashed #24 Illinois 88-65.

Maryland dominated in nearly every facet against the Fighting Illini, and I believe we’ll see a similar outcome Saturday. Offensively, the Terps shots 43% from the field, and 48% from three. They produced seven more assists, and committed only three turnovers, while five players scored in double-figures. That group was led by Rodney Rice with 26, and that kind of balance makes them a legit March Madness odds contender.

At the other end of the floor, Maryland clamped down on Illinois. They held them to 36% from the field, and 22% from three. The Terps forced 17 turnovers, which they converted into 22 points. Maryland is one of the top teams in the nation at creating turnovers, and that came to light in their first meeting with the Wolverines – more on that later.

Maryland vs Michigan Stats

As for Michigan, they righted the ship in the quarterfinals, for now. The Wolverines beat up on #20 Purdue 88-66, snapping a three-game losing streak. Michigan produced 25 assists and shot 52% from the field. Twin towers Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin combined for 33 points and 19 rebounds, and most importantly they took care of the ball. The Wolverines turned it over just six times, after averaging 14 giveaways per game over their three-game skid.

If Michigan distributes the ball efficiently and doesn’t turn it over they’re going to be a tough out. The problem is, I don’t think that will happen. The Boilermakers defense is far inferior to the Terrapins. Purdue was a bottom-six defense in the Big Ten this season, and ranks 241st in opponent effective field goal percentage. They’re terrible on the defensive glass, they struggle to defend the rim, and they don’t force turnovers. The Wolverines blowout win was product of a good matchup. Saturday’s contest, is just the opposite.

Maryland vs Michigan Picks

• Maryland -4.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Which is why my best bet is Maryland -4.5. The Terps force an average of 14 turnovers per game, and produced 16 giveaways from Michigan in their win 10 days ago. Those turnovers led to 21 points, and Maryland also took advantage of the Wolverines poor defensive rebounding. The Terps brought down 11 offensive rebounds, two more than their opponent.

Despite their dominant win against the Boilermakers, Michigan still allowed 14 offensive boards. Their inability to keep teams off the offensive glass, and their propensity for turnovers is going to be their downfall. Throw in the balanced Maryland scoring, plus the Terps suffocating defense, and it all adds up to the Wolverines being in big trouble.

As for trends, they also support my pick. Maryland has covered in eight of its last 13 versus Big Ten opponents. Michigan meanwhile, is 3-13 against the spread in its last 16 games.

The Big Ten Semifinals are set to take place with a highly anticipated matchup between the Maryland Terrapins and the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams have had successful seasons thus far, but only one will advance to the championship game. Let’s take a closer look at the matchup, make some predictions, and discuss the spread for this exciting game.

Maryland comes into the game with a 22-7 record and a strong showing in the Big Ten tournament. Led by star player Aaron Wiggins, who is averaging 14.5 points per game, the Terrapins have shown they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the conference. Their defense has been particularly impressive, holding opponents to just 64.2 points per game on average.

On the other side, Michigan boasts a 23-4 record and has been dominant throughout the season. Led by standout freshman Hunter Dickinson, who is averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, the Wolverines have been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Their offense is one of the best in the conference, averaging 77.1 points per game.

In terms of predictions, this matchup is sure to be a close one. Both teams have shown they can compete at a high level and have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament. However, Michigan’s offensive firepower and strong defense give them a slight edge in this game. Look for Dickinson to have a big game in the paint and for the Wolverines to come out on top in a close contest.

As for the spread, Michigan is currently favored by 3.5 points. This seems like a fair line given their strong play this season, but Maryland has shown they can compete with top teams and should not be counted out. It will likely be a back-and-forth game, so taking the points with Maryland could be a smart bet.

Overall, this Big Ten Semifinals matchup between Maryland and Michigan is sure to be an exciting one. Both teams have what it takes to come out on top, but Michigan’s offensive firepower and strong defense give them a slight edge in this game. Look for a close contest with the Wolverines ultimately prevailing and advancing to the championship game.