Comparing Grand Canyon and Maryland: Odds, Picks, and Predictions

• The Maryland Terrapins are 10.5-point favorites over the Grand Canyon Lopes in the West Region’s 4 vs 13 1st Round matchup
• Grand Canyon took down Saint Mary’s last year in the 1st Round as a 12-seed
• See my Grand Canyon vs Maryland odds, picks and predictions for March Madness, below

Last year, Grand Canyon (26-7) pulled off a stunning upset in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. I think they’re capable of an encore performance when they Face Maryland (25-8) on Friday. Online sportsbooks however, disagree. Per the latest college basketball odds, the Terps are massive favorites in the West Region’s 4 vs 13 matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:35pm ET at the Climate Pledge Arena, in Seattle, WA, with TBS providing the broadcast coverage.

Grand Canyon vs Maryland Odds

Maryland is currently favored by 10.5-points and -600 on the moneyline. The total sits at 150.5, with the Lopes coming back as +440 underdogs. Per the college basketball public betting trends, GCU is garnering 67% of the spread wagers, while over 150.5 is drawing 62% of the total bets.

Odds as of March 20 at DraftKings. See the full list of DraftKings legal states.

Grand Canyon vs Maryland Predictions

My prediction is the Lopes give Maryland all they can handle. Will it be enough to pull off the upset? We’ll see, but I love them against the spread and I won’t shy away from a sprinkle on their moneyline.

Last year, as a 12-seed in the March Madness bracket, they beat 5-seed Saint Mary’s outright. They followed up that performance by narrowly missing out on an even bigger upset. They were leading 4-seed Alabama with 5 minutes to go, before ultimately falling short.

This year marks the third straight season the Lopes have made the tournament. Tyon Grant-Foster and Ray Harrison, staples of last year’s team, are back for a fifth year, bringing veteran leadership to the group. JaKobe Coles averages a team-high 15 points, and is fresh off the WAC Tournament’s most outstanding player award.

Unlike previous GCU teams, this year’s version doesn’t rely on the three. They attack the rim, and play extremely up tempo. They have size and crash the boards, while playing tenacious defense. The Lopes hold enemy shooters to the 26th worst effective field goal percentage in the country, and force 15 turnovers per night.

Grand Canyon vs Maryland Stats

This is the exact type of mid-major team most programs typically want to avoid. GCU’s frantic pace forces terrible decisions by the opposition, but the Terps have the ingredients to combat it. All five starters score in double-figures. Maryland average 18 points off turnovers themselves, rank sixth in defensive rating, and are getting sleeper buzz in the Final Four odds.

The Terps are led by Derik Queen, the Big Ten freshman of the year. He averages 16 points and 9 boards per night, and forms a formidable 1-2 punch with Julian Reese in the front court. Maryland’s guards protect the ball and shoot it well, knocking down 37% of their threes. They can be streaky from the outside, but once the nerves settle down they can be assassins from behind the arc.

The Terps play at a fairly high pace as well, so they won’t be thrown off by the Lopes desire to push the tempo. Nevertheless, I believe GCU will hang around and keep this game close throughout.

Grand Canyon vs Maryland Picks

• Grand Canyon +10.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Another reason to like the Lopes is how they start games. GCU owns an average first half margin of +7.2 this season, and boast the second best first half scoring defense in the nation.

They have a ton of experience left over from last year’s tournament team, and have fared well against their lone power conference opponents. The Lopes beat Stanford and took Georgia, the lone tournament team they faced, down to the wire. They enter play with 20 wins in their last 23 games, and are going to be one tough out.

When it comes to comparing the Grand Canyon and Maryland, there are a few key factors to consider. Both destinations offer stunning natural beauty and unique experiences, but they also have their own distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will take a closer look at the odds, picks, and predictions for each location.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States, known for its breathtaking views and awe-inspiring landscapes. With its vast size and deep canyons, the Grand Canyon offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. The odds of having a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon are high, as the sheer beauty of the canyon is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

On the other hand, Maryland may not have the same level of fame as the Grand Canyon, but it still offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From the historic streets of Annapolis to the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland has something for everyone. The odds of having a great time in Maryland are also high, as the state’s diverse offerings make it a popular destination for tourists.

In terms of picks, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a truly awe-inspiring setting, the Grand Canyon may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a more laid-back vacation with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration, Maryland could be the perfect destination.

As for predictions, both the Grand Canyon and Maryland are likely to continue to attract visitors from around the world for years to come. The Grand Canyon’s status as a natural wonder will ensure its popularity for generations, while Maryland’s diverse attractions will continue to draw in tourists looking for a unique and memorable vacation experience.

In conclusion, both the Grand Canyon and Maryland offer their own unique charms and attractions. Whether you choose to visit one or both of these destinations, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!