The Oregon Ducks take on the Maryland Terrapins in College Park, MD. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Oregon is favored by 2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -140. The total is set at 151.5 points.
Here’s my Oregon vs. Maryland prediction and college basketball picks for January 2, 2026.
Oregon vs Maryland Prediction
My Pick: Maryland +2.5
My Oregon vs Maryland 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.
Oregon vs. Maryland Odds
| Oregon Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 151.5 -110 / -110 | -140 |
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 151.5 -110 / -110 | +120 |
- Oregon vs Maryland spread: Oregon -2.5
- Oregon vs Maryland over/under: 151.5 points
- Oregon vs Maryland moneyline: Oregon -140, Maryland +120
Oregon vs Maryland College Basketball Betting Preview
Oregon versus Maryland, a classic Big Ten matchup. Both teams definitely belong in this conference. Alas, what has happened to the sport we love?
The Ducks make the insane 2,800+ mile trip to College Park to take on the Terps on Friday. Both teams struggled mightily out of the gates to start the season, but have found their footing the past few weeks.
Oregon began the season 0-9 against the spread but has covered its last four games. Maryland was 2-6 against the spread to start, but is 4-1 over its last five.
Both teams have played seven different starting lineups this season as injuries have ravaged their rosters. And both teams are desperate to get off the schneid in conference play and avoid a 0-3 start.
Oregon Basketball
The Ducks have been without Devon Pryor the past few games, but Kwame Evans’ absence from the last contest is the real concern. Evans is the third banana in Oregon’s pecking order, and the Ducks desperately need his athleticism, versatility and impact on both ends.
It’s likely he returns for this game, but his status is one to monitor.
Offensively, Oregon doesn’t run the prettiest offense. Nate Bittle is used as a hub in the post, mid-post, and top of the key, while star guard Jackson Shelstad pokes and prods the defense.
Dana Altman’s crew has had to rely more on broken plays and the offensive glass to score, and outside shooting has become a vital lifeline.
Maryland is weak up front if it doesn’t have the services of Pharrel Payne, who's missed the last two games with injury. Without him in the lineup, Bittle should feast.
Maryland Basketball
The Terps might still be without Payne, but at least they welcomed back Solomon Washington, whose return has coincided with their recent 4-1 ATS run.
Washington is arguably the best pound-for-pound rebounder in the country, a vacuum on the glass despite standing just 6-foot-7 (stop doing the arm movements).
Maryland is more jumpshot-reliant this season than a typical Buzz Williams team. The offensive glass is still important, but the Terps aren’t a dominant force here like Buzz’s A&M teams were.
They need the free-throw line to score, ranking top-15 in the country in free-throw attempt rate. Oregon is generally solid at defending without fouling, and Bittle, in particular, is elite for his position.
Ball screen action is where Maryland can take advantage of Oregon. The Terps run a ton of pick-and-roll, and Oregon ranks in the bottom quartile nationally at stopping it. Putting Bittle in space should be a priority.
Oregon vs. Maryland Betting Analysis
The travel aspect of this matchup shouldn't be overlooked – and the market will likely steam Maryland aggressively.
Going from west to east across multiple time zones is no joke, and we saw UCLA get torched on this very road trip last season, losing by 18 to Maryland and then by seven to Rutgers.
The Terps have a massive edge in that respect on Friday.
Lay the points and take the home team, even if Payne is still sidelined. Perhaps his absence will even result in a cheaper price.
My Pick: Maryland +2.5
