The No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (19-3, 7-2 Big 10) visit Maryland to take on the Terrapins (15-7, 4-5 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
Michigan State opened as a 5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 144.5 points.
Michigan State Spartans at Maryland Terrapins Free Prediction
The last time the Spartans played, they topped the Wisconsin Badgers, 76-61. The Spartans held the Badgers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.405 (below their season average of 0.522) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.7 (above their season average of 38.3). Nick Ward had a solid performance for Michigan State, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Terrapins lost a tough one against the Indiana Hoosiers in their last matchup, 71-68. Indiana’s 16.0 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Maryland, who had a mark of 22.1. The Hoosiers’ mark was worse than their season average of 15.4, while the Terrapins’ was above their season average of 18.6. With 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Kevin Huerter had a solid performance for Maryland.
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the nation’s top defenses face off. Maryland ranks 59th in defensive efficiency (97.3) and Michigan State is eighth (91.7). Also, the Spartans rank 57th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278), while the Terrapins rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.155).
Michigan State comes into the contest with records of 19-3 straight up (SU) and 13-9 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Spartans have typically gone over the total (55.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Maryland owns records of 15-7 SU and 10-7-1 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for Terrapins games in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has averaged 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks over the last five games for Michigan State.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Anthony Cowan Jr. scored a game-high 26 points in the first matchup, in which the Terrapins lost 91-61, unable to cover as 14.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 152 points, which was 11 points above the projected point total of 141 points. The Spartans had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 16.8) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.714 vs. 0.453).
Michigan State Spartans vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Michigan State is 4-4 ATS with 5 unders and 3 overs.
Maryland is 7-2-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Michigan State ranks first in assists per game (20.9) while Maryland ranks 106th (14.6).
The Spartans rank first in blocks per game (8.0) while the Terrapins rank 103rd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Michigan State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (42.0) while Maryland ranks 54th (38.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Michigan State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
Maryland is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, down from 20.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Terrapins have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (7.1 above their season average).
