Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Game Preview

Maryland vs. Purdue prediction and game preview. The Terrapins try to extend their winning streak to eight games when they host the Boilermakers on Saturday.

Maryland vs. Purdue Game Preview

When: Saturday, Feb. 4 – Noon ET
Where: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland.
TV Broadcast: ESPN

The doubters are still out there when it comes to Maryland, which as quietly as possible sits atop the Big Ten with a 20-2 record and 8-1 mark in conference play. That’s just fine with the Terps as they go about their business despite not receiving the respect they feel they deserve.

Maryland entered as an underdog both at Minnesota and at Ohio State its last two games and won by a combined 13 points, extending its winning streak to seven games in the process. Freshman Justin Jackson has used those contests to bust out, going for 28 points and 10 rebounds against the Gophers and 22 points and 12 boards against the Buckeyes while shooting a combined 9-of-12 from 3-point range. He hadn’t hit a 3 in any of his previous three games, didn’t have a single double-double and scored more than 20 points just once the entire season before his hot stretch.

Another big effort from Jackson will be needed if Caleb Swanigan has his way again. The versatile Purdue big man finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds in Wednesday’s 80-59 rout of No. 25 Northwestern and leads the nation with 19 double-doubles. The Boilermakers are 1 1/2 games behind the Terps for the Big Ten lead, but they’re also just 2-3 on the road in conference play. They’ll need more than Swanigan to leave College Park with a victory.

Maryland Wins If …

… Melo Trimble produces. The odds are likely more in favor of Jackson slowing down than keeping at this pace, and the Terps will need Trimble to make up the difference if and when that happens. These teams are essentially even in scoring defense with Maryland allowing 0.1 point fewer per game, so someone is going to need to stand out. Trimble has done that often in his career and will have to do it again. He scored 13 points against Ohio State on Tuesday but also shot 5 of 13 from the field and had five turnovers. Trimble averaged 16.7 points and shot 55.2 percent over his previous three games, and that type of effort – not the one against the Buckeyes – should be enough to push the Terps over the top.

Purdue Wins If …

… Vincent Edwards stays hot. The obvious statement here would be if Swanigan has a big game, but he’s done that even in Purdue’s defeats. In a close game like this should be, the role players will need to make a statement. Edwards was on fire against Northwestern, going 6 of 10 from the floor and 5 of 7 from 3-point range on his way to scoring 17 points to complement Swanigan’s terrific night. If freshman point guard Carsen Edwards (no relation) and Dakota Mathias get going as, the Terps could be in trouble.

Matchup To Watch

Trimble vs. Carsen Edwards

These point guards are the model of inconsistency. It’s already been noted how Trimble dropped off last game after three straight solid performances, and that’s been a trend this season. Edwards had four straight games scoring in double figures and putting together decent assist numbers, but against Northwestern he shot 2 of 9 and didn’t have a single assist. If only one of them gets back on track, look for the more productive player’s team to win.

Betting Odds

Spread: Purdue -3
Over/Under: No line as of post