Maryland Terrapins vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

Confident Maryland opens Big Ten play vs. Ohio State

As the Big Ten Conference season begins, all eyes are on the high-stakes matchup between the Maryland Terrapins and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Wednesday night in College Park, Maryland. With contrasting recent performances, the two teams are set to bring intensity and drama to the court.

Sign Up!

Maryland Riding High on Confidence

The Terrapins (7-1) enter the game brimming with confidence after a resounding 96-58 victory over Alcorn State. This marked their fifth win of the season by a margin of 30 points or more, showcasing their dominance on both offense and defense.

• Unselfish Play: Maryland’s success has been driven by teamwork. In their latest win, they tallied 25 assists on 32 made field goals, a testament to their cohesion and unselfish style.
• Shooting Efficiency: A sharp improvement in shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc (47.8% against Alcorn State), has bolstered their offense. Coach Kevin Willard emphasized how better shooting has elevated their ball movement.
• Depth of Scoring: Four Maryland players are averaging at least 12 points per game, providing a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing.

Coach Willard reflected on the transformation from last season, saying, “We were seventh in the country in open shots but 340th in making them. It helps when you have guys make shots.”

Ohio State’s Struggles to Close Games

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes (5-2) face challenges after a frustrating 91-90 overtime loss to Pitt. Despite holding multiple leads late in the game, Ohio State’s inability to execute in key moments proved costly.

• Free-Throw Struggles: Ohio State shot just 65.6% from the free-throw line, including four critical misses in the final 64 seconds of overtime. Coach Jake Diebler acknowledged this as a pivotal factor, saying, “We make one or two free throws, and it’s just an entirely different complexion and outcome of the game.”
• Turnover Woes: In addition to free-throw inefficiency, turnovers plagued the Buckeyes, making it difficult to maintain control and close out the game.

With back-to-back Big Ten matchups this week—against Maryland and Rutgers—Ohio State faces a challenging stretch as they aim to address these issues before returning to non-conference play in January.

The Big Ten: A League of Parity

Both teams recognize the unique challenges of Big Ten competition. Maryland and Ohio State are bracing for a demanding conference season where no game can be taken lightly.

Coach Diebler remarked, “The parity and the depth of the Big Ten, I think, is second to none across the country. You used to look at your schedule and say maybe there’d be a chance to catch your breath. That doesn’t exist anymore.”

NCAAB Expert Handicappers

Key Factors to Watch

1. Maryland’s Ball Movement vs. Ohio State’s Defense: Maryland’s fluid offense will test Ohio State’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
2. Free Throws: Ohio State’s performance at the line could determine whether they can keep the game competitive in clutch moments.
3. Momentum: Maryland’s confidence and shooting efficiency give them an edge, but Ohio State’s resilience after a tough loss will be critical.

The Stakes

For Maryland, a win would solidify their position as a Big Ten contender and validate their early-season success. For Ohio State, a victory would signal a bounce-back effort and reinforce their resolve in the face of adversity.

Conclusion
The Maryland-Ohio State matchup promises to be an exciting start to Big Ten play. Maryland enters with confidence, while Ohio State looks to rectify critical mistakes. With the depth and parity of the conference on full display, fans can expect a thrilling contest that sets the tone for what lies ahead in the Big Ten season.