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Michigan State Basketball: Game preview, prediction at Maryland

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talk to players during the second half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talk to players during the second half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball faces a crucial season finale matchup at Maryland and here’s everything you need to know.

One of the biggest games of the season looms for Michigan State basketball and if you don’t feel the pressure by now, you may need to check your pulse. The Spartans desperately need a win on Saturday afternoon against Maryland (23-7, 11-6 Big Ten), but it’s not going to be easy.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for month of March

Michigan State’s main issue is playing on the road. If this were a home game, the Spartans would likely be favored, and deservedly so. However, they play horribly on the road and are 2-6 in conference play away from the Breslin Center this season. Will that change against the Terrapins on Saturday?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game against Maryland:

Date: Saturday, March 4
Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: College Park, MD
Venue: Xfinity Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go

Keys to Victory

Michigan State needs to do its best to slow Melo Trimble. The Terrapins seem to go as Melo goes so if he has a big game, the Spartans will be in major trouble (see: Malcolm Hill on Wednesday night). Guarding the perimeter and not letting him heat up from distance will be important as well.

Finding that rhythm on the offensive side of the ball is also a major key. Limiting turnovers, flowing nicely and hitting open shots are all important. The Spartans need to feed the post, as I say every game, and continue to get Nick Ward and Miles Bridges the ball.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Maryland -5

Fun Facts

  • Last year’s victory over Maryland ended a three-game losing streak and turned Michigan State’s season around completely.
  • Michigan State has won the last three in the series.
  • The Spartans have not won in College Park since Maryland joined the Big Ten in the 2014-15 season.

Related Story: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for March

Prediction

Michigan State needs this game much more than Maryland does and you’ll realize this within the first few minutes. The Spartans will jump out to an early lead and you’ll see a strong defensive effort from just about everyone. Turnovers will still cause a shift in momentum before halftime and the Terrapins regain the lead heading into the locker room. Melo Trimble has a big game and helps the Terrapins pull away late.

Final: Michigan State 67, Maryland 72

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