Michigan State Basketball: Q&A with Terrapin Station MD

Ahead of Michigan State basketball’s regular season finale, we got a chance to speak with Chris Bengel, the site expert at Terrapin Station MD.

Michigan State basketball faces one of its biggest games of the season on Saturday afternoon against a recently struggling Maryland squad. The Terrapins have hit a wall lately, but that hasn’t stopped them from exceeding expectations this season after losing four starters.

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The Spartans desperately need a victory on the road to bolster their resume and ensure a spot in the NCAA Tournament come Selection Sunday.

We got a chance to speak with Chris Bengel, the site expert of Terrapin Station MD, to speak about the upcoming matchup, and season finale, between Michigan State and Maryland (you can follow them at @terpstationmd).

Q: How can Maryland slow down the freshman duo of Miles Bridges, Nick Ward?

CB: It’s not going to be an easy task. Bridges is a matchup nightmare, but Maryland does possess some length that can defend on the perimeter. Kevin Huerter and Justin Jackson could be extremely vital in trying to slow down Bridges. As for Ward, the Terps have received inconsistent frontcourt play since Michal Cekovsky went down a few weeks back. Damonte Dodd could certainly slow down Ward if he’s able to stay out of foul trouble. That’s really been the key to his game. With his shot blocking prowess, Dodd could make life difficult for Ward if he’s able to stay on the floor.

Q: What worries you most about Michigan State?

CB: This is the most obvious answer but it has to be Miles Bridges. From the moment he stepped on the floor at Michigan State, you could see that this kid is a future lottery pick. His lengthy frame is extremely tough to guard and he can score in a variety of ways. Oh yeah and he blocks shots as well. If Maryland can keep Bridges from going off.

Q: What is the biggest key for Maryland against Michigan State?

CB: It has to be guard play for the Terps. It’s been no secret that Maryland has relied heavily on their backcourt all season. Melo Trimble is one of the most crafty and gifted scorers in the Big Ten when he’s hitting his shots. The Terps will also need to be fairly successful from beyond the arc. Huerter has been shooting the ball better from deep and that’s his bread and butter. If Maryland’s guards produce, it could mean victory for the Terps.

Q: Has this team met or exceeded expectations this season? What were they to start the year?

CB: This group has definitely exceeded expectations by far. Maryland lost four of their five starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team. The freshmen trio of Anthony Cowan, Huerter, and Jackson has been nothing short of sensational. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Mark Turgeon with a very different roster. The Terps could finish in the top four in the conference and that’s pretty impressive for a group this young.

Q: What are the causes for the recent struggles of Maryland?

CB: I think some of it has to do with the trio hitting that “freshman wall.” Over the last five games, it’s looked like a different team at times. Justin Jackson, who had been unstoppable for a stretch, isn’t hitting perimeter shots like he has for most of the year. Kevin Huerter dealt with a cold period as well, but did bounce back against Rutgers. Finally, maybe the most glaring difference is the loss of Michal Cekovsky. Losing a seven-footer is never easy. Maryland has been forced to rely on Duquesne transfer LG Gill off the bench as a frontcourt player, which is not his strength.

Check out all the action on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.

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