Maryland Terrapins vs USC Trojans – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 20, 2025
Maryland hosts USC on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Md. The Terrapins are 20-6 and ranked No. 20 in the nation, while the Trojans come in at 14-11. Tip-off is set for 8:30 PM ET in this Big Ten matchup.
Maryland has been one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, winning three straight games and seven of its last eight. The Terrapins are strong at home with a 15-1 record this season and look to keep their momentum going. USC, on the other hand, has had trouble finding consistency, losing three of its last four games, including a tough loss to Minnesota where they let a late lead slip away.
Maryland Preview – Can the Terps Keep Rolling at Home?
Maryland’s offense is on fire, scoring 83.5 points per game, which ranks 13th in the nation. The Terrapins have balanced scoring with five players averaging at least 12 points per game. Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads the way with 14.7 points per game and had 26 points in their recent win over Iowa. Maryland’s ability to spread the scoring makes them hard to defend.
Big man Derik Queen is another key player for Maryland. He averages 16 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Julian Reese adds 13.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, helping the Terps control the glass. Maryland’s rebounding strength could be a big factor against USC, especially considering the Trojans’ recent struggles on the boards.
At home, Maryland has been tough to beat. The Terrapins have a 15-1 home record and feed off the crowd’s energy. Maryland also plays well on both ends of the court, with strong defense holding opponents to 67.2 points per game. The Terps’ mix of offense and defense gives them a strong edge in this matchup.
USC Preview – Can the Trojans Bounce Back?
USC is having an up-and-down season with a 14-11 record. The Trojans have struggled lately, losing three of their last four games. In their most recent game, they lost to Minnesota after giving up an 8-0 run to close the game. USC has had issues closing out games, which could hurt them against a strong Maryland team.
Desmond Claude is a key player for USC. He averages 16 points and 4.4 assists per game but has struggled with turnovers recently. He had six turnovers in the loss to Minnesota and 14 in his last two games. USC needs Claude to take better care of the ball, especially against Maryland’s pressure defense.
Wesley Yates III and Chibuzo Agbo are also important for USC. They both scored 18 points against Minnesota and combined to shoot 6-of-7 from three-point range. The Trojans need more consistent play from their supporting cast to compete with Maryland. USC’s defense will also need to step up, as they allow 67.2 points per game, which ranks 53rd in the nation.
Betting Prediction
Maryland is a 10.5-point favorite in this game, with the total set at 153 points. The Terrapins are strong at home and have the advantage in scoring and rebounding. USC has struggled recently and may have a tough time keeping up. The Trojans are 3-3 in true road games, but Maryland’s 15-1 home record stands out.
Maryland should win this game and cover the spread. The Terrapins’ balanced scoring and home-court advantage make them a solid pick. The total of 153 points seems high, but with Maryland’s strong offense and USC’s inconsistent defense, the over could also be a good play. Maryland’s recent trend of hitting the over in 21 of their last 33 games supports this pick.
Pick: Maryland Terrapins -10.5 over USC Trojans
