Illinois vs Maryland Prediction 3/14/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Illinois vs Maryland prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 14th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 21-11 (12-8) this year after they defeated Iowa by a score of 106-94 in their last game. Illinois led 49-45 at halftime and they scored 57 points in the second half for the win. The Fighting Illini shot 53.8% from the field, 46.2% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Kylan Boswell led Illinois with 24 points and seven assists, while Tre White added 22 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Fighting Illini defeated Purdue by a score of 88-80 and Michigan by a score of 93-73. Illinois has won four games in a row and they finished tied for seventh in the Big Ten standings with a 12-8 record. Illinois has scored 83.7 points per game and allowed 73.5 points per game while also averaging 42.4 rebounds and 14.9 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 45% from the field, 75.8% on free throws, and 31% on three-pointers this season. 

Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview

The Maryland Terrapins are 24-7 (14-6) this season after they defeated Northwestern by a score of 74-61 in their last game. Maryland led 32-29 at halftime, and they added 42 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Terrapins shot 42.3% from the field, 43.8% on three-pointers, and 82.1% on free throws. Julian Reese led Maryland with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 17 points and four rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Terrapins defeated Michigan by a score of 71-65 and Penn State by a score of 68-64. Maryland has won seven of their last eight games, and they finished tied for second place in the Big Ten standings with a 14-6 record. Maryland has scored 81.5 points per game, and they have allowed 66.6 points per game while also averaging 37.3 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Derik Queen is averaging 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie is averaging 14.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this year. Maryland is shooting 47.5% from the field, 75.4% on free throws, and 37% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Illinois will beat Maryland 

• Maryland has lost each of its last five night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Illinois has won each of its last four games.
• Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five games against Conference opponents at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Matchup/League Facts

• Maryland ranks T10th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.1).
• Maryland ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.4).
• Illinois ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (65.4).
• Illinois ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (4.5).

David Racey is 38-21 (64%) in College Basketball over the last seven days. Click here for his premium plays for today!

Illinois vs Maryland Prediction 

Maryland comes into the Big Ten Tournament as one of the hottest teams in the conference, but Illinois has also found their groove. The Fighting Illini have won four games in a row and they have scored at least 81 points in all four. Maryland has won seven of their last eight games and while their offense has taken a step back, their defense is allowing just 66 points against per game this year. Maryland did beat Illinois by a score of 91-70 earlier in the season, but I think Illinois could very easily win this game. I will say the Illinois defense is a concern, as they are allowing nearly 74 points against per game this season, but their offense is really carrying them right now. Take Illinois to get the win here.