Maryland 6:30

My thoughts on the Maryland/Illinois game.

Illinois just hung 106 on Iowa yesterday, but they’re walking into what might be the toughest Quarter-Final matchup of the tournament. If they were playing MSU, I’d probably lean Spartans too, but either way, this is going to be a brutal test for the Illini.

Illinois lives and dies by the three—but the problem is, they miss a lot of them. They’ll need to be lights-out from deep just to have a chance. The bad news? Maryland’s perimeter defense has been elite all season, holding opponents to just 30.8% from beyond the arc (T-32 in the country).

Maryland is a well-rounded team that could make noise in March, and I like them to take down Illinois for the second time this season after rolling them 91-70 in Champaign back in January. Jakcionis is a great player, but he’s not enough to swing this one. Ivisic isn’t going to have the space and freedom he had against Iowa, and Maryland comes in hot on a three-game win streak. This is a strong spot for the Terps.

DOC 

@DrGame

 I like your analysis, having said that, you have to try and figure (based on what you wrote) why the line is only -1.5 for MD. It’s neutral site, so say it would be -4 in MD. More importantly, what are the lines makers basing a virtual pick ‘em on?

MD has a great overall record versus Illinois too, so to me it’s kind of odd it’s only -1, maybe they books have this game wrong. As you know, many a time logic and gambling don’t always go hand-in-hand, and it is March madness. 

So I’m kind of hesitant on MD because it seems like too easy of a bet for them. That’s why I’m taking Illinois money line.

Good luck.

@DrGame

@jpot34

 Love it! The more critics the better my odds go up. BRING IT!

@DrGame

Tomislav Ivisic missed the Maryland game due to injury, and there was some illness running through the team too if you remember. Not being critical, just playing devil’s advocate — I think the line reflects that. I’m still undecided 

Good point

Not sure it’s critics, I think more insightful banter….. Illinois got steam rolled by Duke on a three game, losing streak where they had the flu running through their program… next four games been playing lights out, dangerous team right now, good luck however you choose

Good read 

@LVTruck

 Thanks!!