Michigan State vs Maryland Odds
| Michigan St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -105 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | -112 |
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -115 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | -108 |
Here’s a worthy appetizer for the awesome NFL divisional playoff games kicking off later today. We head to College Park, Maryland, where the Maryland Terrapins host the surging Michigan State Spartans.
Let's break down this matchup in our Michigan State vs. Maryland preview and prediction.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans came into the season ranked No. 4 nationally before a brutal start took them off the national radar entirely. Since then, Michigan State won seven of its past nine games, including a huge win over Baylor.
Here’s the one thing I haven’t seen from the Spartans: road wins. In fact, Michigan State won all 11 games at home or on a neutral floor — zero true road wins. Added onto the fact that Big Ten home teams churn out wins regularly, that’s an undesirable combination.
The metrics still favor Michigan State in this one. They rank 19th in KenPom and have top-25 rankings in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Spartans excel at forcing difficult shots, particularly from beyond the 3-point arc. Opponents attempt 3s on 41% of field goals, only connecting on 30.5% from 3.
My biggest concern about Michigan State’s offense is the inconsistency from players aside from Ryson Walker. Malik Hall is known for inconsistency, Jaden Akins is streaky and A.J. Hoggard is the Spartan fans' least favorite player. It’s just an odd-fitting mixture of parts. It’ll take a big game from one of the three in a tough road environment to get a win.
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Maryland Terrapins
Perimeter shooting has ailed the Terps all year, shooting only 27% from 3 — one of the worst marks in America. Only two players – Jahmir Young (32%) and Donta Scott (38%) – shoot better than 27% from deep. One of the biggest issues is freshman DeShawn Harris-Smith, who’s shooting an ugly 18% on 48 3-point attempts.
Young is one of the best point guards in America, averaging 20 points, four rebounds and four assists per game. He’s the only thing keeping Maryland’s offense afloat right now. Young scored 36 points in Maryland’s most recent game against Northwestern in a three-point loss.
Meanwhile, Maryland’s defense is a well-functioning unit. The Terps rank 22nd in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Defensively, Maryland wants to force tough 2s. Opposing offenses only convert on 43% of 2-point field goals, which ranks 10th in college basketball. Walker is good enough to hit tough 2s, but Maryland should make things difficult on the standout guard.
More on Harris-Smith: Kevin Willard ignored the portal, assuming the freshman could figure out the college game quickly. Instead of finding his footing quickly, it’s been an uphill climb. Harris-Smith is averaging 7.2 points while shooting 33% from the floor. The problem is, Maryland has no other viable options. That’s less than ideal for an experienced team with NCAA Tournament aspirations.
Michigan State vs. Maryland
Betting Pick & Prediction
The recent resurgence of Scott has Maryland trending in a positive direction. The offense remains inconsistent, but having two scoring options is better than one.
In the Terps' biggest home game of the year, it laid a total egg against Purdue. Is that more telling about the Boilermakers or Maryland? Possibly a bit of both. I think Maryland matches up well against Michigan State, and the home court advantage closes the edge in Maryland’s favor.
Plus, Michigan State’s road woes could play a factor once again. I’m taking the Terps in a tight-knit defensive struggle.
Pick: Maryland +2 (Play to +1)
