Illinois vs Maryland 03/14/25 - NCAAB Picks & Predictions

The Illinois Fighting Illini will play the Maryland Terrapins on Friday in the Big Ten Conference tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Illinois defeated Iowa 106-94 in the tournament’s second round on Thursday. Illinois led by only four points at halftime but blew the game open in the second half. The Fighting Illini led at one time by as many as 17 points. Keep updated on College Basketball with our expert college basketball picks.

Illinois had each of its five starters score in double figures, led by Kylan Boswell with 24 points, followed by Kasparas Jakucionis with 22, and Will Riley with 21. Tomislav Ivisic was the leading rebounder with 10 and Boswell was the leader in assists with seven. Illinois shot 53.8% overall, 46.2% from 3-point territory, and 80% from the free throw line. 

The Maryland Terrapins finished the regular season 24-7 overall and 14-6 in Big Ten play. Maryland finished tied for second in the Big Ten, three games behind regular season champion Michigan State. Maryland defeated Northwestern 74-61 in its final game of the regular season. The Terrapins won each of the last three games of the season and seven of the final eight with only a loss to Michigan State.

Derik Queen leads Maryland in scoring, averaging 15.7 points per game. Ja’Kobi Gillespie is second in scoring and the leader in assists, averaging 14.9 points and 4.7 assists per game. Julian Reese is the leading rebounder for Maryland, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game. Maryland scores an average of 81.5 points per game, shooting 47.5% overall and 37.0% from 3-point territory.

The Maryland Terrapins will use a tough defense that holds opponents to an average of 66.7 points per game and 41.5% shooting, to defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday and move on to the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament. Maryland has covered the number in six of its last eight and seven of the last 10. Maryland also gets it done offensively, averaging 81.5 points per game, on 47.5% shooting. Final Score Prediction, Maryland Terrapins win and cover ATS 80-72.