Maryland vs Illinois Prediction 1/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Maryland vs Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 21st at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview

The Maryland Terrapins are 8-10 (1-6) this season after they defeated Penn State by a score of 96-73 in their last game. Maryland led 56-26 at halftime, but they were outscored 47-40 in the second half in the win. The Terrapins shot 54% from the field, 53% on three pointers, and 71% on free throws in the game. David Coit led Maryland with 43 points and four assists, while Elijah Saunders added 16 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Maryland lost to USC by a score of 88-71 and UCLA by a score of 67-55. The Terrapins have scored 74.5 points per game with 36.7 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.8 points against per game this season. David Coit is averaging 15.4 points and 2.8 assists per game, while Darius Adams is averaging 12.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Terrapins. Maryland is shooting 40.6% from the field, 74.5% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this season. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 15-3 (6-1) this year after they defeated Minnesota by a score of 77-67 in their last game. Illinois was tied at 34 at halftime, but they scored 43 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Fighting Illini shot 41% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 84% on free throws in the game. Zvonimir Ivisic led Illinois with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Keaton Wagler added 17 points and five assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, Illinois defeated Northwestern by a score of 79-68 and Iowa by a score of 75-69. The Fighting Illini have scored 85.1 points per game with 41.8 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.4 points against per game this season. Keaton Wagler is averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while Kylan Boswell is averaging 14.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Fighting Illini. Illinois is shooting 47.3% from the field, 80.4% on free throws, and 35.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Illinois has won each of its last 14 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• Maryland has lost seven of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
• Maryland has lost the first half in four of its last five games.

Why the Maryland Terrapins will win

• Maryland has won six of its last seven games at State Farm Center.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois’ last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Each of Maryland’s last five night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.

Maryland vs Illinois Prediction 

Illinois comes into this matchup on a long winning streak and they have allowed fewer than 70 points in five straight games. The Fighting Illini are shooting 47% from the field and they are averaging nearly 42 rebounds per game. Maryland snapped their losing streak with a win over Penn State in their last game, but they are shooting just 41% from the field. The Terrapins have allowed 84+ points in two of their last four games and scoring has been a major issue for them. Take Illinois to cover this large number at home.

David Racey's Pick: Illinois -19.5