The Maryland Terrapins take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in Chicago, IL. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Iowa is favored by 11 points on the spread with a moneyline of -625. The total is set at 136.5 points.
Here’s my Maryland vs. Iowa predictions and college basketball picks for March 11, 2026.
Maryland vs Iowa Prediction
My Pick: Maryland +11.5
My Maryland vs Iowa best bet is on the Terrapins to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Maryland vs. Iowa Odds
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11 -110 | 136.5 -110o / -110u | +450 |
| Iowa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11 -110 | 136.5 -110o / -110u | -600 |
- Maryland vs Iowa spread: Iowa -11
- Maryland vs Iowa over/under: 136.5 points
- Maryland vs Iowa moneyline: Maryland +450, Iowa -600
Maryland vs Iowa College Basketball Betting Preview
Maryland has been playing much better down the stretch, despite coming into the Big Ten Tournament on a four-game losing streak.
While all signs pointed to the Terps quitting on this season, head coach Buzz Williams has this group playing very competitive basketball.
David Coit isn't afraid to let it rip from deep, and he scored 17 points in the opening-round win against Oregon. Elijah Saunders also hit five 3s against the Ducks, and I think it'll help that Maryland played a game on Tuesday.
Iowa comes in having lost four of five, the last in excruciating fashion in overtime against rival Nebraska. The Hawkeyes have been very efficient offensively this season, and with Bennett Stirtz leading the way, it's no surprise.
Stirtz averages 20.2 points per game and leads the Hawkeyes with 137 assists, while Tavion Banks averages 10.5 points per game. Four other Hawkeyes average at least six points, and despite playing at the slowest pace in the conference, they remain dangerous.
I like Maryland to compete here and keep this game closer than expected.
The Terps have done an excellent job in both games against Iowa this season in getting to the foul line. Maryland has shot 66 foul shots in the two meetings and did an incredible job of getting the ball into the paint in the second meeting .
Andre Mills scored 24 points in that second meeting, and he scored 30 against Illinois five days ago. I expect him to play with confidence and get good looks with plenty of trips to the line.
Iowa doesn't have a domineering post presence and struggles blocking or altering shots. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes send their opponent to the foul line more frequently than anyone in the conference.
With a game that I project to be played under 63 total possessions, every foul and every trip to the line will be critical in prohibiting Iowa to win this game with extended margin.
The Hawkeyes have cooled off from the outside and are shooting just 29% from distance over the last half-dozen games played. The Hawkeyes don’t get to the stripe as frequently, so when the shots aren’t falling, it can be hard for this offense to score enough to blow out its opponents.
Maryland beat these guys last month, and that loss started the skid for Iowa. Having lost six of its last eight games, Iowa has to be feeling the pressure here to perform well in this tournament.
I like that Maryland has a game under its belt in the neutral venue, and it should play loose. The Terps are still playing very hard, and their defense stepped up in a big way on Tuesday against Oregon.
I think the confidence spills over into this game, and the Terps keep this one close.
My Pick: Maryland +11.5
