Maryland vs. USC Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for Tuesday, Jan. 13

If you're looking for a late-night sweat, look no further than the Big Ten duel between Maryland and USC.

Both teams have stumbled out of the gates to begin Big Ten play. USC is 11-0 against nonconference opponents, but they're just 2-3 in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Maryland is still seeking its first conference win, losing its first five Big Ten games.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for tonight's action.

Maryland vs. USC Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook

Spread

Maryland +9.5 (-115)
USC -9.5 (-105)

Moneyline

Maryland +350
USC -475

Total

OVER 149.5 (-110)
UNDER 149.5 (-110)

Maryland vs. USC How to Watch

Date: Tuesday, January 13
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET
Venue: Galen Center
How to Watch (TV): FS1
Maryland Record: 7-9 (0-5 in Big Ten)
USC Record: 13-3 (2-3 in Big Ten)

Maryland vs. USC Betting Trends

Maryland is 4-2 ATS in its last six games
The UNDER is 4-1 in Maryland's last five games
Maryland is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games
USC is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games
USC is 7-1 straight up in its last eight home games

Maryland vs. USC Key Player to Watch

Chad Baker-Mazara, G - USC Trojans

Chad Baker-Mazara has stepped up in a big way in Rodney Rice's absence. He's averaging 19.9 points per game, while also leading the team in assists at 3.4, and also averaging 4.7 rebounds per game. He's coming off a 29-point performance against Minnesota. Let's see if he can have another big performance tonight.

Maryland vs. USC Prediction and Pick

Maryland has been playing some horrific basketball this season, which means I have no desire to bet on them tonight. Ahead of tonight's game, they rank 321st in effective field goal percentage, well below the USC Trojans, who come in at 124th. To make matters worse, they can't defend the interior, ranking 210th in opponent two-point field goal percentage, which is bad news considering they're facing a USC team that's primarily a two-point shooting team.

The opposite is true on the flip side of it. Maryland is primarily a three-point shooting team, but the Trojans are 25th in the country in opponent three-point field goal percentage, keeping teams to shooting just 29.3% from beyond the arc.

All signs point to USC winning and covering tonight.

Pick: USC -9.5 (-105) via BetMGM

Get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets when you create a new BetMGM Sportsbook account. Use our exclusive bonus code for BetMGM ‘SI1500’, make a minimum $10 deposit, and place your first bet. If you lose, you will receive your full wager back in the form of bonus bets.

Using the same code in MI, NJ, PA, or WV will unlock a ‘bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets if you win’ offer.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!