Michigan State's massive win over the weekend has them on the inside track toward a Big Ten Title, but they face a perilous path in their final four league games. First up is a road trip to College Park to take on one of the hottest teams in the country in the Maryland Terrapins (21-6, 11-5 Big Ten).
The Terrapins took their lumps in the early Big Ten season, but since mid-January, it's hard to say anybody in the conference is playing better. They have won eight of nine and are tied for third in the league standings, just behind the Spartans and Michigan Wolverines. A win here from the Terrapins would not only open the door for them to take a late run at a Big Ten Title but also strengthen their seed line, as they're right around a projected 5 seed as things stand in late February.
How to watch Maryland vs. Michigan State
- Date: Wednesday, February 26
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Venue: XFINITY Center
- How to Watch (TV): Big Ten Network
- Streaming: fubo TV
- Michigan State record: 22-5
- Maryland record: 21-6
Maryland vs. Michigan State odds, spread and total
Odds provided byFanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
Michigan State +134
Maryland -162
Spread
Michigan State +3.5 (-110)
Maryland -3.5 (-110)
Total
149.5 (over -115 / under -105)
Michigan State Injury Report
- N/A
Maryland Injury Report
- Jahari Long, G : Questionable (knee)
- Chance Stephens, G : Questionable (knee)
- Braden Pierce, C : OUT
Maryland and Michigan State series history
- Maryland all-time record vs. Michigan State: 8-16
Maryland vs. Michigan State Prediction
This will be a fascinating clash between two Big Ten foes with opposing styles. Maryland, led by freshman phenom Derik Queen and veteran forward Julian Reese, plays more of a throwback brand of basketball that relies on their edge in the paint. Meanwhile, Michigan State this year plays much faster than usual Tom Izzo teams, thanks to their exciting collection of guards, namely Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins.
Despite the fact their strength lies in their backcourt, the Spartans shut down Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf in the Michigan game over the weekend, a sign that this team isn't going to be pushed around by Queen and company. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper may not bring a ton to the table offensively, but their activity defensively makes such a difference for this Michigan State team. If they can stay out of foul trouble, they should have enough to frustrate Maryland's offense.
You do have to wonder if Michigan State could be in danger of a hangover after such a huge and emotional win over the Wolverines, and going into XFINITY Center is always a daunting task. But I think the Spartans are the better team in this matchup, and despite Maryland's hot streak, I like Michigan State to come out on top in a hard-fought, physical game.
Prediction: Michigan State, 74 Maryland, 70