Penn State vs Maryland Prediction 1/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Maryland Terrapins meet Sunday in college basketball action from Xfinity Center College Park. Here’s a Penn State vs Maryland prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Penn State vs Maryland pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Lions got off to a pretty nice 8-1 start this year across the first nine outings. The only loss in that time came on November 22 versus Providence. Since then however, Penn State has been on a 1-7 skid with losses to Indiana, Michigan State, Pitt, Illinois, Michigan, Purdue and UCLA in that time. In their first 17 games of the 2025-26 season, that gives the Nittany Lions a 9-8 overall record.

In the UCLA matchup on Wednesday, Penn State opened up the game with a 29-23 deficit at home. The Nittany Lions were outscored 42-37 the rest of the way, which would ultimately lead to a 71-60 loss in the end. Tops in scoring during the losing home effort was Dominick Stewart with his 16 points, five boards and three assists. Eli Rice added 14 points in 28 minutes of work as well.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview

Over on the Maryland side, they managed to win five of their first six games this year. It’s been a struggle for the Terrapins since then however, as they’ve gone 2-9 in the last 11 outings. The losses in that time have come courtesy of Gonzaga, Alabama, Iowa, Michigan Virginia, Oregon, Indiana, UCLA and USC. Across 17 games so far this season, Maryland has managed to put a 7-10 run in the books.

Matched up against USC back on Tuesday the Terrapins exited the first half with a one-point deficit 42-41. Maryland lost steam in the rest of the game however, posting a 46-30 deficit on the way to an 88-71 road loss at Galen Center. The Terrapins’ David Coit was the leading team scorer on 30 points, and both Solomon Washington (eight rebounds) and Darius Adams added 11 points apiece.

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends: January 18, 2026

Why the Maryland Terrapins will win

• Maryland has won each of its last seven day games at XFINITY Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Penn State has lost each of its last six games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Penn State has lost the first half in each of its last three road games against the Big Ten Conference.

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

• Maryland has lost each of its last seven games against the Big Ten Conference.

Penn State vs Maryland Prediction

I’ll lean toward Maryland. The Terrapins desperately need a victory these days, and this is a good spot to get it. Maryland faded in the second half of their most recent loss to USC, eventually shooting 43.8 percent from the field as opposed to the Trojans’ 51.5 percent. The Terrapins added a 32-21 deficit on the boards, a 44-14 disadvantage in the paint and 12 turnovers along the way. That makes four straight losses for Maryland, and they’ve scored fewer than 67 points in three of those.

As for Penn State, they limped to an 11-point home loss versus UCLA this week thanks to 18.2 percent (4-of-22) from 3-point range, a 31-21 rebounding deficit and 10 turnovers. The Lions have lost four straight games as well, with fewer than 66 points in two of those. Sunday’s matchup should be a pretty competitive one if nothing else.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Maryland Terrapins -2.5