A duel in the DMV headlines Saturday’s men’s college basketball slate. Maryland (1-0) is looking to turn the page, now in its second year under Buzz Williams. It’s a similar story for Georgetown (1-0), under pressure to win now with head coach Ed Cooley. Which of these rivals will come out on top during Saturday’s non-conference clash?
Maryland enters this one as 3.5-point favorites (-115) over Georgetown. The total is set at 146.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Saturday’s game between the Terrapins and Hoyas.
Maryland vs. Georgetown prediction, preview
To call last season a disappointment for Maryland is putting it lightly. The program posted a dismal 12-21 record, going 4-16 during Big Ten play. Williams will need to deliver a much better product to the fans in College Park.
In spite of last season, the Terrapins managed to sign five-star recruit Baba Oladotun, a potential lottery pick during next summer’s NBA Draft. The freshman scored seven points over 19.0 minutes during his team debut earlier this week. Former top prospect DJ Wagner was a big get in the transfer portal as well. The guard offers plenty of high-major experience from stints at Kentucky and Arkansas.
Returning starter Andre Mills is back, having just averaged 12.2 points per game as a sophomore. Ditto for center Pharrel Payne, arguably the most important piece on this roster. The big man averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds over ten games last season. When healthy, he’s a proven double-double threat.
Georgetown was the definition of mediocre last season, going 16-18 with a 6-14 Big East record. To make matters worse, high-volume scorer Malik Mack left for in-conference rival Providence this summer. Cooley responded with a fairly active offseason, bringing aboard a handful of new additions. Jaland Lowe and Elmarko Jackson bring high-major pedigree, while Charlston transfer Chol Machot offers massive upside down low. The seven-footer led the CAA in blocks last season while winning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Among the returnees to campus, Vince Iwuchukwu stands out. The fifth-year senior was decent last season, averaging 11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He comes into this year as Georgetown’s starting center. The Nigerian racked up 21 points and nine rebounds on Monday vs. Loyola (MD). Another name to monitor is Caleb Williams, now in his third year with the program. The junior forward notched 8.8 points per game last season.
Maryland vs. Georgetown pick, best bet
It’s difficult to get a read on this Georgetown roster. Most of the marquee transfers are relatively unproven in larger roles, casting some doubt when it comes to their ability to produce this season. In comparison, names such as Oladotun and Wagner are capable of averaging 10+ points per game for Maryland. Factor in several other intriguing pieces, and the Terrapins come into Saturday’s contest with a talent advantage.
