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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from mammoth win over Maryland

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball picked up a monster win at No. 9 Maryland on Saturday night, pulling within one game of first place in the Big Ten.

Going on the road in the Big Ten is not easy, and Michigan State has found that out time and time again this season. But for the past two weeks, the Spartans have looked solid on the road, beating Illinois, Nebraska and now No. 9 Maryland.

The Spartans led Maryland all game long and finished with a 78-66 win to improve to 20-9 on the season, winning their fourth game in the last five — three against ranked foes.

Contrary to the first month of Big Ten play, the Spartans have held double-digit leads on the road in their past three games away from the Breslin Center. Saturday’s win was not only big for conference title hopes, but momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season and March Madness.

What’d we learn from Michigan State’s monster win over Maryland?

3. Malik Hall played a man’s game

When Michigan State needed someone to step up at the four spot, Malik Hall did just that. It’s been a constant shuffle all season at that spot and it looks like Hall has taken a slight lead after looking incredible in a start on Saturday night.

Unfazed by the hostile environment, the freshman forward was hot from the get-go, scoring six points early and then continuing that momentum in the second half and finishing with 16 points on 5-of-5 shooting. He also had six rebounds and a steal and kept Michigan State ahead for the entire game with his tough play in the post and on the glass.

Michigan State has been accused of being soft at times, but Hall wouldn’t let that happen.

If the Spartans want to make a run down the stretch of March, they’ll need someone like Hall to step up and this could be the spark to a huge run for the freshman.

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