With just two games separating them in the Big Ten standings and Selection Sunday on the horizon, No. 8 Michigan State and No. 16 Maryland face off in a top-20 showdown with massive conference implications.
Here’s how to watch this huge Wednesday night basketball game and some of the key players and stats surrounding it.
How to Watch Michigan State vs. Maryland
Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb. 26th, 6:30 p.m. ET
Venue: XFinity Center | College Park, MD
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio:
- (MSU) Michigan State All-Access
- (UMD) WJM-FM 105.7 Baltimore
- (UMD) TEAM 980 AM D.C.
Line: Maryland -4.5; O/U 150.5
Michigan State vs. Maryland Key Players to Watch
Michigan State
- Freshman guard Jase Richardson played all but seven minutes last time out against rival Michigan. In those heavy minutes, he scored 21 points on just 12 shots, picked up six rebounds, and tacked on three steals to help the Spartans run past the Wolverines 75-62.
- Junior guard Tre Hollman came off the bench against the Wolverines and scored 18 points on just 10 shots, second most on the team behind Richardson. With how senior guard Jaden Akins and redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. struggled last game (21 combined points on 22 combined shots), look for Hollman to give the Spartans a spark off the bench.
Maryland
- Sophomore guard Rodney Rice scored a game-high 22 points on 12 shots and a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line last time out against the USC Trojans. He’s raised his scoring average a full two points since mid-January and has helped Maryland maintain a league-best 83.7 points per game.
- Senior forward Julian Reese recorded a double-double against USC in his last game, with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Defensively, he collected three steals and two blocks in the 88-71 win. His defense has helped the Terps field a top-3 scoring defense in the Big Ten.
Key Stats For Michigan State and Maryland
Points Per Game (Big Ten Ranking)
- MSU: 79.0 (7th)
- UMD: 87.3 (1st)
Points Allowed Per Game
- MSU: 67.2 (2nd)
- UMD: 67.3 (3rd)
FG% Per Game
- MSU: 47.0 (8th)
- UMD: 48.8 (3rd)
3pt% Per Game
- MSU: 29.6 (18th)
- UMD: 37.5 (3rd)
Rebounds Per Game
- MSU: 39.6 (2nd)
- UMD: 37.3 (4th)
Steals Per Game
- MSU: 5.5 (16th)
- UMD: 7.4 (3rd)
What’s At Stake For Michigan State and Maryland?
Maryland sits just two games back of Michigan State in the Big Ten standings. With Michigan still on the schedule, the Terrapins have a great chance at home to move up the standings and grab a Quad 1 win while they’re at it. They have a top defense in the conference, and the Terp faithful supporting them on their home court, where they’re 16-1.
GET IN ON THE ACTION! SEE OUR BEST BETS FOR MICHIGAN STATE-MARYLAND
On the flip side, Michigan State has a slightly harder remaining schedule, with both No. 15 Michigan and No. 11 Wisconsin still left to play. But after a disappointing loss to Indiana on Feb. 11, the Spartans have won three straight games by an average of 12 points. A win could further convince the committee to give MSU a top seed in the tournament.
This is the only meeting between the two teams this season: the top-scoring offense against the second-best scoring defense in the league. It’s the home stretch of the season, and fireworks are expected.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
