Maryland Terrapins (1-2) vs. Villanova Wildcats (2-1)
Maryland Terrapins vs. Villanova Wildcats 11/17/23 – Maryland Terrapins will meet Villanova Wildcats in an eagerly anticipated NCAA men’s basketball clash this Friday at Finneran Pavilion on FS1. Fans and bettors looking for quality NCAAB picks today should keep an eye out on this contest as both sides seek to improve their standings in an intriguing encounter that should provide plenty of excitement.
The Terrapins have proven their worth with an encouraging 1-2 record, showing promise in their gameplay. On offense they average 69.7 points per game with 44.8% field goal shooting and 32.8% three-point shooting; they also average 33.6 rebounds per game and have been effective at limiting turnovers-a key aspect in their strategy against Wildcats.
Villanova comes into this matchup with an even better record, boasting a record of 2-1. They match Maryland in terms of scoring, averaging 69.6 points per game on average and shooting 8.7 three-point field goals at 33.4% success rate on average per game. Defensively they average less rebound per game (31.7 per game) but their superior free throw shooting of 82% could make a decisive difference should an encounter become close.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Villanova Wildcats Game Info
| When: | Friday, November 17, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Finneran Pavilion |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jahmir Young (Guard) vs. Justin Moore (Guard)
Jahmir Young has been a standout for Maryland this season. Playing an average of 35 minutes per game and logging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 steals per game and one block per game make him an effective two-way threat. Unfortunately, however, his 38.5% field goal shooting and 3.3 turnovers per game could be improved against a team like Villanova.
Justin Moore of Villanova has also been impressive. His 18.7 points per game come from efficient shooting with his 44.4% field goal percentage. While Moore may not have as many assists and steals than Young does, his lower turnover rate (1 per game) speaks volumes about his composure and decision-making skills on the court – something Maryland will surely exploit against Villanova’s squad.
Young and Moore’s head-to-head clash will be decisive. Each guard brings unique strengths to the table; Young excels at playmaking and defensive prowess while Moore excels with scoring efficiency and ball handling skills. Their head-to-head matchup may ultimately decide the outcome of this contest.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Villanova Wildcats -217, Total Odds: 134.5
The betting odds favor the Wildcats, with a -217 moneyline and a spread of -5.5. The total for the game is set at 134.5, reflecting the close scoring averages of both teams. Bettors should consider the defensive capabilities of both teams, as this could impact the total score.
Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends
Maryland’s betting trends present a difficult path, especially against the spread, as evidenced by an 1-5 record against this trend in its last six games. Away games have also been cause for concern with an 1-9 SU record over their past 10 road contests and an under total points trend that suggests defensive playstyle.
Villanova Wildcats Betting Trends
Villanova’s trends are mixed. While they have a strong 6-1 SU record in their last 7 home games, their ATS performance is weaker, with a 1-4 record in their last 5 games. Their ability to cover the spread against Big Ten opponents (14-5 ATS) could be a factor to consider. The OVER trend in their November games suggests a potential for a high-scoring affair.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Villanova Wildcats 11/17/23 Betting Picks
For the final prediction, the game seems to lean towards Villanova, especially considering their home-court advantage and stronger betting trends. However, Maryland’s ability to keep games low-scoring and close could make them a viable underdog pick, particularly for bettors looking for value.
In terms of handicappers’ premium picks, the spread is tight, and with both teams’ defensive records, the UNDER on the total points seems like a prudent choice. Prop bets focusing on individual performances, especially those of Young and Moore, could also offer value.