Other than March Madness, nothing says college basketball like a Saturday afternoon nationally televised tilt between a pair of ranked opponents who just happen to be in the same conference. That is what we will be treated to on Saturday, February 6 when the Purdue Boilermakers head into College Park to face Maryland. With March Madness nearing up on us get your college hoops betting game on by checking out our online sportsbook NCAA basketball betting page.

How to bet Purdue Boilermakers Vs Maryland Terrapins

When: Saturday, February 6, 4 PM EST Where: XFINITY Center, College Park, Maryland TV: ESPN

Gettin’ ready for the Terps. #Purdue #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/CsyHmIq6hX

— Purdue Basketball (@BoilerBall) February 3, 2016

It is likely that the Terrapins will be given the label of favorite heading into this one, thanks in large part to their home court advantage. This is one that I think will be close, though, and I believe that Purdue will definitely be worth a look at what is sure to be a very nice price. The full odds for this one will go live on theMyBookie.ag NCAA basketball betting page on Saturday morning, so be sure to come back and get your wagers on.

Why bet on the Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue (19-4, 7-3) are currently occupying the #18 spot in the National Rankings, but they are not about to settle for that position. They have a pair of games against ranked opponents coming up next, and they know that a win in both could catapult them even higher up the rankings. The Boilermakers are 4-2 on the road this season, so there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to go into Maryland and come away with the win. The one bad mark against them this year is that they have lost both games they have played against ranked opponents. Neither one was of the blowout variety, though, which means they should be able to keep this one close all the way to the end. The Boilermakers are averaging 79.0 PP, and are giving up just 62.6 PPG.

Why bet on the Maryland Terrapins

You would assume that the #4 team in the nation playing on home court might be something of a mortal lock, but the Terrapins (20-3, 9-2) are not likely to be given that label for this game. They have rebounded very nicely from a loss to Michigan State by winning 3 in a row including a 74-68 win over #3 ranked Iowa. The Terrapins have been good on home court this season, and have yet to drop a game in their own building, yet there are still some lingering doubts, mostly because they have lost 2 of the 3 games that they have played against ranked opponents. The Terrapins are averaging 76.5 PPG, and are giving up 64.2 PPG so far this season.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Both of these teams have excellent defenses, so I don’t really expect this one to go into shootout mode. I would not be surprised to see I head into OT, though, as it will likely be close from start to finish. I am going with the mild upset here, and ma taking the Purdue Boilermakers to win. Purdue Boilermakers 74 Maryland Terrapins 70