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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Maryland in Week 9

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Zach Sellers #3 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: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Zach Sellers #3 of the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during the game against 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: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during the game against the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward remains hot, scores 20 points

Is there anyone in college basketball right now that is hotter than Nick Ward? Oklahoma’s Trae Young might be his only competition, but the Spartans’ sophomore big man has been on a tear lately and it doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon.

In fact, he’s averaging 19.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over his past four games all while shooting 94 percent from the field — no, thats not a typo. He’s only missed a total of two shots in 34 attempts over his past four outings.

Ward looks like an All-Big Ten first-teamer this season and there nay not be a player in the conference who can stop him in the post. He might not be the biggest guy, but he is aggressive and he’s not going to quit on a play until he draws a foul or scores an easy bucket.

That hot streak will continue on Thursday night as he will make 8-of-10 shots to total 20 points and 10 rebounds. He’s going to finish with three blocks as well and Maryland’s going to feel his wrath.

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