Maryland vs. Ohio State prediction and odds for Wednesday, March 1 (Buckeyes overvalued?)

Ohio State snapped a nine-game losing streak on Sunday at home against Illinois, and now is expected to make it two straight at home against Maryland, is this warranted?

The Buckeyes have been one of the biggest disappointments this season, 4-14 in Big Ten play, and now face one of the best teams in the conference in Maryland, who is undefeated at home in conference play and 11-7 on the year, but has some questions when they leave the Xfinity Center.

The Terps opened as favorites of more than a bucket, but now this line has crated to nearly a pick. After snapping their losing streak, are the Buckeyes getting too much credit?

Here are the odds for Wednesday’s Big Ten matchup:

Maryland vs. Ohio State odds, spread and total

Maryland vs. Ohio State prediction and pick

Ohio State closed a 4.5-point underdog to Illinois on Sunday, and while the team looked the best  it has in over a month, this number is a bit of an overreaction. Maryland has been playing at a top 10 level in the month of February, per Bart Torvik, and Ohio State’s poor defense is going to keep them from winning this game.

The Buckeyes have been a mess on the defensive side of the ball, unable to turn opponents over (333rd in February) and a layup line inside (opponents are shooting 55% on two’s). Maryland has guard Jahmir Young playing at his best at the moment, opening up the floor for the Terps, who are shooting over 40% from the perimeter since the beginning of February.

While the offense has come around for the Terps, it’s their defense that is their calling card. Maryland is elite on the defensive glass and its length challenges pull-up jumpers very well, which is pivotal against an Ohio State offense that has the second lowest 3-point rate in the conference. Maryland is top 65 in the country defending mid-range jumpers and at the rim this season.

This is a swift change in sentiment on the Buckeyes, and while Big Ten teams have crushed this season against the spread while at home, 76-48-1, but I’m inclined to play against it here.

Track all of Reed’s bets at Betstamp HERE!

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.