Ohio State (14-7, 6-5) needs to rack up some wins if it has any chance at reaching the NCAA Tournament. Right now, the Buckeyes are the definition of a bubble team. The same can’t be said for Maryland (8-13, 1-9), struggling during Year One of the Buzz Williams era. Can the Terps turn things around on Thursday at home?
Ohio State enters as 7.5-point favorites (-112) over Maryland. The total is set at 150.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Thursday’s game between the Buckeyes and Terrapins.
Ohio State vs. Maryland prediction, preview
OSU hasn’t been the most consistent this season, but this is a very well-rounded squad. Through 21 games, the Buckeyes are a middle of the pack group in the loaded Big Ten. What’s held this crew back is their inability to beat elite competition. The Buckeyes are 0-6 against Quad 1 teams this season. However, they’ve gone 8-1 against Quads 2 and 3. In a sport as unpredictable as college basketball, taking care of business against inferior competition is commendable.
Ohio State’s strength is on offense, where they rank 27th in the nation per KenPom. Leading the charge is Bruce Thornton, one of the sport’s most dynamic guards. Through 21 appearances this season, the senior is averaging 19.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. In addition, he leads the Big Ten with 36.5 minutes per game.
Thornton is accompanied by two other terrific scorers in John Mobley (15.8 PPG) and Devin Royal (14.1 PPG). If there’s a knock on this group, it’s their depth. Just six Buckeyes are putting up more than 3.3 points per game. To make matters worse, key reserve Brandon Noel is questionable to play tonight with a foot injury. In addition, OSU’s 106.7 defensive rating is the sixth-worst mark in the conference.
What a miserable season it’s been for the Terrapins. Following a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025, head coach Kevin Willard departed for Villanova. Replacement Buzz Williams hasn’t led this program to another quality season. In fact, this is shaping up to be one of the worst campaigns in school history. Against Quads 1 through 3, Maryland has gone just 3-13. UMD’s only high-major wins have come against Penn State, UNLV, and Marquette; not exactly a murderer’s row.
Maryland has posted the Big Ten’s worst offensive rating (104.2) and second-worst defensive rating (114.5). In many ways, this is a worse version of Ohio State. The Terrapins are carried by a few high-volume shooters, headlined by forward Pharrel Payne (17.5 PPG, 7.2 REB). He’s joined by guards David Colt (14.8 PPG) and Darius Adams (12.1 PPG). Outside of those three, there isn’t much worth getting excited about in College Park.
Ohio State vs. Maryland pick, best bet
The Terps come into this one on a massive cold streak, getting blown out against Purdue, Michigan State and Illinois. Granted, Ohio State isn’t at the caliber of those elite teams. Still, the Buckeyes have shown they can take care of business against bottom feeders. Expect the visitors to come out firing in this must-win spot.
