While most of the sporting world takes the day off in deference to the NFL Conference Championships, the Big Ten sees an opportunity to hog the spotlight early this afternoon with the Maryland Terrapins heading to face the Indiana Hoosiers.
And as the sporting world turns its attention to college basketball, it will realize just how sideways this Hoosiers’ season has gone. These Maryland vs. Indiana predictions will not focus entirely on those struggles, but my college basketball picks do note that in betting on the Under. Tip comes at 12 ET on Sunday, January 26.
Maryland vs Indiana prediction
My best bet
Under 149.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
First of all, fault the time. How many college students do you know that are full-go at noon on a Sunday? That may sound like a rote claim, but the truth is, this would bother NBA players, too. Every pregame ritual is thrown out the window with a tip time this early. Expect sluggish play to start.
Secondly, both these teams are better on defense than offense, though that's a low bar for the Indiana Hoosiers to clear, thanks to the No. 13 offensive efficiency in the Big Ten, per Ken Pomeroy.
And that right there is the final piece of this thought, just how bad the Hoosiers’ offense is. If it is further sluggish today, it could be entirely doomed. The one thing it does well is collect offensive rebounds, doing so on 32.9% of its misses in Big Ten play, the second-highest rate in the conference.
That is not as rewarding of a trait as it should be when you make only 47.7% of your 2-point field-goal attempts, the worst such percentage in the Big Ten.
Neither team shoots well, generally speaking — and again, let’s point out just how badly Indiana handles this usual task, ranking No. 14 in the Big Ten in 3-point percentage and No. 17 in effective field-goal percentage. Shooting just a touch worse today because of this early tip could lead to comical results. Not quite Tennessee vs. Auburn levels of low scoring, but expect something short of entertaining on CBS this afternoon.
Maryland vs Indiana same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 149.5
Maryland -3
Julian Reese Over 9.5 rebounds
Looking to Maryland senior forward Julian Reese to notch double-digit rebounds is putting some faith in Maryland Terrapins’ coaching today. It does not take a rocket scientist to recognize Indiana’s best hope is to live on the offensive boards and rack up second-chance points. Sometimes, it will take the Hoosiers three shots to get the ball in the hoop, which is simply a statistical reality, but if they can get three shots on a possession, then they may stand a chance.
So Maryland should emphasize attacking the boards and, in doing so, assure the cover.
Reese is one of the best rebounders in the country, ranking No. 25 in defensive rebound rate. In fact, he's cleared this prop in each of his last two games. Continuing that trend is the best path to set up the Terps for a nice Sunday afternoon.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Maryland vs Indiana odds
Maryland vs Indiana live odds
Maryland vs Indiana opening odds
- Spread: Maryland -4 | Indiana +4
- Moneyline: Maryland -105 | Indiana -115
- Over/Under: Over 149.5 | Under 149.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Maryland vs Indiana betting trend to know
Maryland is 4-1 outright in its last five, while Indiana is 1-3 outright in its last four. Find more college basketball betting trends for Maryland vs. Indiana.
How to watch Maryland vs Indiana
| Location | Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN |
| Date | Sunday, 1-26-2025 |
| Tip-off | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Maryland vs Indiana key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
