Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory over slumping Maryland

Feb 28, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) makes a move to the basket in-between Maryland Terrapins forward Galin Smith (left) forward Jairus Hamilton (25) and guard Eric Ayala (5) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) makes a move to the basket in-between Maryland Terrapins forward Galin Smith (left) forward Jairus Hamilton (25) and guard Eric Ayala (5) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11), center Mady Sissoko (22) forward Julius Marble II (34) and guard Tyson Walker (2) react after a basket against the Michigan Wolverines during second half action Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Breslin Center.Msu Um
Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11), center Mady Sissoko (22) forward Julius Marble II (34) and guard Tyson Walker (2) react after a basket against the Michigan Wolverines during second half action Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Breslin Center.Msu Um

2. Rebounding battle wins games

Michigan State has struggled on the glass at times this season. They especially struggled against Michigan but were shooting well enough to keep the Wolverines away. However, letting Hunter Dickinson and Co. get 16 offensive rebounds was not a good look.

The Spartans did the same thing against Northwestern which is why they lost one of those games and let the other one be interesting. At times this season, the rebounding has been atrocious and it needs to be cleaned up.

For a few games there against Wisconsin and Illinois, it looked like the ship was going in the right direction. However, they went backward against Michigan. Look for the Spartans to be physical down low and keep the Terrapins off the glass. They will get back on course, rebounding the ball with ferocity, and punish Maryland in that category.