Northwestern vs. Maryland Prediction and Odds: Expect More Pace and Points in the Danny Manning Era

For the first time in 10 years, the Maryland Terrapins will have a new head basketball coach patrolling the sidelines.

On Friday, the university announced they had mutually parted ways with head coach Mark Turgeon, who went 476-275 over the last 10 seasons, and went to the NCAA Tournament in five of their last six seasons.

Former Wake Forest head coach Danny Manning now makes his head coaching debut in College Park against the Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday afternoon at noon ET with the Terps as a solid home favorite.

Let's dive into the odds for this Sunday college hoops matinee courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Northwestern vs. Maryland Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Northwestern: +5.5 (-120)
• Maryland: -5.5 (+100)

Moneyline:

• Northwestern: +170
• Maryland -215

Total: 137.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Northwestern vs. Maryland Prediction and Pick

Manning's debut in College Park has already moved the line in this matchup, going from -4 to -5.5. Maryland at home with new energy on the bench and from the stands should result in a Terps win, but we can't discount how much they've struggled in their last few games to get going. Maryland rates 143rd in points-per-game, 123rd in possessions/game, and shoots only 40.5% from field goal range.

The Terps have also not covered at all this year when favored by more than four.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats have been very efficient so far on the offensive side of the ball. They average 80.4 points-per-game, good for 53rd in the country, but are 205th in possessions/game. They've done a nice job under Chris Collins so far this season of finding the right opportunities, and junior point guard Boo Buie has been excellent distributing the basketball and creating havoc on defense.

However, if we expect Maryland's offense to play with more energy today, I think we can go with the trends and back the over. During Manning's time at Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons played very face and at one point were a top 10 team in offensive efficiency.

I expect Maryland to push tempo today and get its offense out of its current rut. The Terps have only hit the over in three of nine games this year, but if they get hot, it will force Northwestern to push the pace even more, setting up a great opportunity to get the over on a low total of 137.5.

LEAN: OVER 137.5 (-110)