Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Maryland in Week 9

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 31: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball defended by Dexter McClanahan #22 of the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 31: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball defended by Dexter McClanahan #22 of the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State basketball is gearing up to face a tough Maryland team in East Lansing on Thursday night. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for. No, not because it’s Maryland, but rather it’s the return of Big Ten action after a month of blowout non-conference games. Michigan State (14-1) needed better competition, and it’s about to get it.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 most memorable moments of 2017

The Spartans take on Maryland (13-3) on Thursday evening with a chance to improve to 3-0 in conference play. Michigan State has been playing great basketball, scoring over 100 points in four straight games for the first time in school history and becoming one of the premier offensive teams in the country.

However, Maryland doesn’t just have to worry about Michigan State’s offense as the defense ranks up there in the top-15 in points allowed per game and is No. 1 in blocks. Rebounding is also a strength but the Terrapins average 40 per game as well, but injuries could cause that to waver.

Overall, this should be a solid game between two of the best teams in the Big Ten, vying for some early position in the conference standings.

Here’s how you can watch Thursday night’s Michigan State vs. Maryland game:

Date: Thursday, Jan. 4
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

Maryland is one of the best shooting and rebounding teams the Spartans have faced this season so defending the 3-point line will be as important as ever. The Terrapins make about 39 percent of their shots from long range and 49 percent from the floor. If the Spartans can get hands up and not let guys like Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter get open from deep, they will be just fine.

On offense, two of Maryland’s top bigs have gone down with major injuries, making feeding Nick Ward that much more important. On top of that, Jaren Jackson Jr. needs to show he can score in the post and utilize his size advantage. Feed that post and see just how well Ward and Jackson Jr. can dominate in Big Ten play.

Maryland players to watch

The Terrapins lost arguably their best player when Justin Jackson went down with a shoulder injury. Before that, he was averaging 9.8 points and 8.1 rebounds. Who should the Spartans have their eyes on during Thursday’s matchup?

  • Anthony Cowan — 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals
  • Kevin Huerter — 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 points, 46% 3-point shooting
  • Bruno Fernando — 10.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 61% FG shooting

Maryland has had a strong season to this point, but injuries are beginning to doom the Terrapins.

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for January

Prediction

Michigan State has a distinct advantage in the post and feeding Ward and Jackson Jr. will be all the Spartans need to dominate this one down low. Injuries plaguing the Terrapins will prove to be costly and the Spartans will take advantage. Eventually, the Terrapins’ defense will be caught collapsing on Michigan State’s bigs down low on double-teams and they will kick out to open shooters, extending the lead. Maryland will put together a decent run late, but this one will be all Michigan State.

Final Score: Maryland 67, Michigan State 81

Home/Spartans Basketball