Maryland Terrapins vs Virginia Cavaliers Point Spread Picks

These two squads have both started the season at 6-0, so this game is a big-time measuring stick for each. Tony Bennett's teams are tough to score on as they defend as well as any team in the country. Already four of six teams have shot 40% or less against him. He also dictates tempo with his team with opponents attempting on average under 50 shots per contest. His team also takes care of the ball, committing just eight turnovers per contest while forcing 15. That is huge in a low-possession game, and it takes a near-perfect game by the opponent to beat him. Play on Virginia.

Virginia and Maryland are very familiar with each other, and now do battle in an out-of-conference game. This is a huge statement game with the Terps and Cavs both entering at 7-0 on the season. Virginia has picked up where they left off last season, as the Cavs are #1 in the nation in scoring defense as they have allowed a very stingy 44.6 points per game. Maryland took a blow in losing Dez Wells, and don't have a lot of experience, and this will be a difficult challenge against a strong defensive team, and in the end it will be their demise. The Cavaliers own a 13-2-2 ATS mark in their last 17 vs. a team over .600, and 21-6-2 ATS in their last 29 overall. The Terps are 1-5 ATS in their last six after scoring 90+ in their previous game and will find the going tough on offense in this one. Give the points on Virginia.

Virginia is a beast on defense, tops in the ACC allowing 53.3 points per game and tops in field goal shooting allowed, just 38%. They are also No. 1 at defending the three pointer allowing 30%. You would think with that powerhouse defense they'd be great at going UNDER the total....and they are! Virginia is on an 8-3 run UNDER, 4-1 UNDER on the road. In addition, the UNDER is 15-7 in the Cavaliers last 22 road games following three or more consecutive home games. Maryland can play defense, too, 39th in the nation in rebounds. They allow 43% shooting in ACC play and rank sixth at defending the three allowing 33%. Maryland is on a 5-1 run UNDER the total, and the UNDER is 5-0 in the Terrapins last five games following a win. That win was 64-47 over Virginia Tech, allowing 30% shooting from the field and 6-18 from long range. Look for an all out defensive duel here. Play Virginia/Maryland UNDER the Total.

The Virginia Cavs are a team on the move, and one that is now ranked 21st in the country. They ride a seven game winning streak as they take on Maryland at home. The Cavs are not just winning, they are winning big as they have now recorded nine double-digit wins in conference play this season. Maryland owns just a pair of road wins on the season. Maryland will have trouble offensively vs. the #1 ranked defense that is allowing just 55.6 points per game. Virginia has won 14 straight conference home games, and all five this year have been by 10 or more, to an average of 16 points per game. Maryland has not been up to task on the road vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .500, where they are 0-6 ATS in their last six tries. The Cavs are now 10-1 ATS in their last 11 in conference play. Lay the points, and play on Virginia.