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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for crucial battle at Maryland

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 20: Tom Izzo the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to Rocket Watts #2 during the 78-71 win over the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on February 20, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 20: Tom Izzo the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to Rocket Watts #2 during the 78-71 win over the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on February 20, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the second half of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on February 25, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the second half of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on February 25, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State covers, loses a thriller

If you look at what Vegas thinks about this game, it’s considered a toss-up. Maryland is favored by 2.5 points, but there’s a home-court advantage factor leading to that spread. Michigan State would be favored if this game was being played in East Lansing. These teams are on the same level right now.

Maryland has won three straight games after a 10-10 start to the season and Michigan State has picked up three wins in a row after starting 10-9. Both teams have played onto the bubble and the Terrapins are pretty safely on the right side of that convo.

Both teams need a win here, though.

Michigan State knows that every single game down the stretch could help decide their tournament fate while Maryland could afford to lose a game or two and still be comfortably in.

This game will reflect those attitudes as it will be a back-and-forth affair unlike last season when Michigan State dominated en route to another conference title. Maryland will get a lot out of Eric Ayala and Aaron Wiggins which will carry them to a critical win. Michigan State will have the ball with a chance to tie or win it with a three, but a tough miss by Aaron Henry will decide this one.

Michigan State covers but loses by a bucket.

Next. 3 takeaways from monster upset of Ohio State. dark

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