Old Dominion Monarchs vs. Maryland Terrapins Prediction and Picks - December 28, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Maryland Terrapins (6-6) return home to the XFINITY Center this Sunday to wrap up their non-conference schedule against the Old Dominion Monarchs (4-9). Maryland is looking to snap a three-game losing streak that followed a grueling stretch featuring four Top-25 opponents in six games. Old Dominion, led by first-year coach and former Maryland assistant Mike Jones, is searching for its first win over a major-conference school since 2018. Despite the Monarchs' struggles, this game features several homecoming storylines, including ODU's Caelum Swanton-Rodger returning to College Park where he played for two seasons.
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Maryland Terrapins: Waiting on Payne
The Terrapins’ season has been a rollercoaster of high-level competition and injury woes. Leading scorer and rebounder Pharrel Payne (17.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG) missed the last game against Virginia, and his status remains uncertain for Sunday. In his absence, the offense relies heavily on David Coit (14.8 PPG) and freshman Darius Adams (12.3 PPG).
Maryland’s primary issue has been ball security; they lead the Big Ten in turnovers ($14.2$ per game). However, they face an Old Dominion defense that ranks near the bottom of the Sun Belt in forcing mistakes. If Maryland can stabilize their possessions and exploit their size advantage in the paint—even if Payne is limited—they should be able to control the tempo at home, where they are 3-2 this season.
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Old Dominion Monarchs: The "Mike Jones" Homecoming
For Old Dominion, this game is all about the ties to the DMV area. Coach Mike Jones coached at DeMatha Catholic for 19 years before his stint at Maryland, and he brings a roster featuring seven players from the D.C. metro area. The Monarchs are led by Jordan Battle (14.2 PPG) and KC Shaw (16 PPG).
ODU has struggled away from home this season, posting an 0-8 record on the road. Their offense has been inconsistent, shooting just 43.4% from the floor as a team. To stay competitive, they need a "get-right" game from preseason Player of the Year Robert Davis Jr., who has struggled with his shot (29.5%FG). The Monarchs will look to play a high-possession game, but they must improve their rebounding margin against a physical Big Ten frontcourt.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Maryland vs Old Dominion ATS Pick
- Maryland -13.5
I am siding with the Terrapins to cover the double-digit spread. While Maryland has struggled recently, their "losses" have come against elite competition (Michigan, Iowa, Virginia, Alabama). Old Dominion’s 0-8 road record is a significant red flag, especially considering they have lost those games by an average of 14 points. Maryland’s strength of schedule has prepared them for this level of physicality, and the "X-Factor" of playing at the XFINITY Center should help them pull away in the second half.
Old Dominion vs Maryland Total Pick
- Over 152.5
I am taking the Over in this matchup. Both teams have defensive vulnerabilities; Maryland allows 80.5 points per game, while ODU gives up 77.2. Both squads also rank in the top half of the country in adjusted tempo, meaning there will be plenty of possessions. Maryland’s last five games have averaged over 160 total points, and with ODU’s preference for a fast-paced transition game, this should easily eclipse the 152.5 mark.
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