USC Trojans vs. Maryland Terrapins 2/20/25 NCAA Men’s Basketball Forecast and Predictions

USC Trojans vs. Maryland Terrapins 2/20/25 – An exciting showdown is coming for NCAA Men’s Basketball as the Maryland Terrapins will host the USC Trojans on Thursday. Game time is at 8:30 PM ET at Xfinity Center, and it will air live on FS1. Both teams have had success this season – the Terrapins hold a commendable 20-6 while the Trojans bring a 14-11 record into the game. There’s no doubt the effort and intensity put into this game will be unparalleled.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Trojans	+10 (-110)	Over 154 (-110)	+450
Terrapins	-10 (-110)	Under 154 (-110	-650

Getting some late night shots up.

Thanks to @flyONT for the gear! pic.twitter.com/KFn7nS2cSU

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 20, 2025

Betting on Maryland is the clear favorite with a -650 moneyline and a -10 point spread, which reflects in the current state of betting. For the Trojans, the odds could be considered way too high, but there is some hope with a +450 moneyline for those willing to take the bet. The total set at 154 denotes expectation of a high scoring game which lines up with the recent scoring trends that both of these teams have shown.

Desmond Claude (Guard) vs. Derik Queen (Center)

The star player for the USC Trojans this season has been Desmond Claude who plays as a leading guard averaging 32.8 minutes within 23 games. Scoring 16 points per game with a shooting percentage of 50.2% from the field, Claude’s performance is crucial for the Trojans. He has been able to manage 4.4 assists per game, making him a key passer but 3.5 turnovers per game will be worrying against Maryland’s tough defense, particularly Claude’s.

On the other side, Maryland’s center, Derik Queen has contributed significantly by playing 26 games with an average of 29.4 minutes per game. Queen is hard to miss on account of his impressive double-double potential, he also averages 16 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. With 1 block and 1.1 steals a game combined with a field goal percentage of 54.9%, he proves his value on both ends of the court and is a beast in the paint.

Trojans’ Tactical Analysis: Going Above Set Performance Boundaries

The Trojans are performing inconsistently as evidenced in their past few games. Although they lost to the Minnesota team by 3 points (66-69), they were able to assert their might against Penn State, winning convincingly with a score of 92-67. A Maryland home game will surely test these players as they remain capable of scoring aggressively, but also risk as they face danger when pressured.

Terrapins’ Home Court Dominance: A Rampart Not Supposed To Be Breached

The Terrapins have been a tough nut to crack at home. The last two games are a clear indication, starting with an emphatic victory against Iowa where the final scoreboard read 101-75 and then an equally good showing against Nebraska where they also won 83-75. In 12 total attempts, the Terrapins have managed to beat all the teams that visited them, and this leverage will make the matchup better for them.

Trends

USC Trojans Betting Trends

The total has gone OVER in 7 of USC’s last 9 games.
USC are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of USC’s last 8 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of USC’s last 13 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
USC are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played in February.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Trends

Maryland are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Maryland’s last 12 games.
Maryland are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games.
Maryland are 12-0 SU in their last 12 games at home.
Maryland are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.