Maryland vs Illinois Prediction 1/23/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Maryland vs Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 23rd 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 14-5 (4-4) this season after they defeated Nebraska by a score of 69-66 in their last game. Maryland led 37-35 at halftime and was able to get the win, despite only scoring 32 points in the second half. The Terrapins shot 44.8% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 58.3% on three-pointers in the game. Ja’Kobi Gillespie led Maryland with 22 points and five assists, while Rodney Rice added 15 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Terrapins lost to Northwestern by a score of 76-74 but did beat Minnesota by a score of 77-71 before that. Maryland has won three of their last four games and they are tied for eighth in the Big 10 standings. Maryland has scored 83.2 points per game and they have allowed 64.5 points per game, while also averaging 37 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game this season. Derik Queen is averaging 15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie is averaging 14.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this year. Maryland is shooting 48.7% from the field, 75% on free throws, and 36.1% on three-pointers this season. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 13-5 (5-3) this year after they lost to Michigan State by a score of 80-78 in their last game. Illinois was tied at 36 at halftime, but they allowed 44 points in the second half in the close loss. The Fighting Illini shot 42.4% from the field, 20.8% on three-pointers, and 63% on free throws in the game. Will Riley led Illinois with 19 points and six rebounds, while Kylan Boswell added 13 points and nine rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Fighting Illini defeated Indiana by a score of 94-69 but did lose to USC by a score of 82-72 before that. Illinois has won six of their last eight games and their other losses have been against Tennessee, Northwestern, and Alabama. Illinois has scored 86.8 points per game and they have allowed 68 points per game, while also averaging 45.2 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 44.9% from the field, 76.2% on free throws, and 32.7% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Maryland will beat Illinois

• Maryland has won five of its last six road games against Illinois.

Maryland vs Illinois Prediction 

Illinois comes into this contest after losing two of their last three games, but they will be back at home here. The Fighting Illini played pretty well against Michigan State in their last game but came up just short in the final minutes. Illinois is only shooting 44.9% from the field this year, but they have scored nearly 87 points per game. Maryland has won three of their last four games, but all three of those wins were at home. The Terrapins are shooting 48.7% from the field and they are scoring 83.2 points per game. Maryland has also been very strong on defense this year and I think that defense will keep this game close. Take the Terrapins and the points on the road.