Women’s College Basketball Picks & Predictions: Minnesota vs. Maryland (2025)

by Travis Pulver |
Jan 14, 2025

With a 16-1 start to the women’s college basketball season, the Minnesota Golden Gophers earned a spot in the AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll for the first time since 2019 (No. 24). But they face a tough road challenge in their first game this season as a ranked team going up against the No. 8-ranked Maryland Terrapins.

The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. Maryland is a 10.5-point home favorite.

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Minnesota vs. Maryland Betting Preview

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Details

Betting Line: Maryland -10.5 (-110) | O/U 140.5 (-110/-110)
Location: XFINITY Center in College Park, MD
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Coverage: Big Ten Network
Last Meeting: January 3, 2024- Maryland won 72-64

Overview

It took a 16-1 start to the season for Minnesota, but the Golden Gophers were finally recognized for their excellence in the most recent AP Poll. However, when you squeeze into the top 25, like they did, at No. 24, chances are good you are just one loss away from getting kicked right back out.

With a road trip against a top-10 team, that may be what the future holds for Minnesota. As a 10.5-point underdog, the outlook certainly isn't a promising one. However, bettors and the Terrapins would be wise not to overlook the Golden Gophers.

Minnesota has the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, holding teams to an average of 50.8 points per game. Strong defensive teams often struggle on the offensive end of the court, but not this squad. The Golden Gophers have the No. 46-ranked offense in the country, scoring 76.6 points per game.

But there is a reason why Maryland has not lost at home this season and is ranked inside the top ten. Their defense is not as strong, allowing 60.9 points per game (No. 109 in the country), but the offense is among the nation's best at 83.1 points per game (No. 14).

Like Minnesota, Maryland has just one loss on their record, 79-74 vs. No. 4 USC. The lone loss for the Golden Gophers was also against a ranked team, but it was to then-No. 25 Nebraska.

Trends

Maryland leads the all-time series vs. Minnesota 13-1.
Minnesota's one win came at home during the 2017-18 season, 94-73 (February 18, 2018)
Maryland's one loss came at home to No. 4 USC, 79-74.
Minnesota has not defeated a ranked opponent on the road since January 15, 2009, to then-No. 15 Ohio State by a score of 59-56.

Bottom Line

Maryland is more of a proven concept, with three wins over ranked opponents to none for Minnesota. It would be easier to make a case for Minnesota pulling off an outright upset if Mara Braun was still in the lineup for the Golden Gophers, but she has been out with a foot injury.

However, Minnesota's defense is impressive, and the team has been scoring points and winning games without Braun for weeks now. They may not win, but I expect the Golden Gophers will make this a much more competitive game than expected.

Pick: Minnesota +10.5 (-110 via FanDuel Sportsbook)

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