It will be a clash between two superb defenses when the ninth-ranked Maryland Terrapins (23-5, 13-4 Big 10) take on the 24th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (19-9, 11-6 Big 10) at Xfinity Center. The game will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Michigan State Spartans at Maryland Terrapins Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Terrapins barely escaped the Minnesota Golden Gophers 74-73, while the Spartans defeated the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 78-70.
Michigan State played a nearly perfect game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.315 (above their season average of 0.233) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.520). Iowa had marks of 0.185 and 0.446, respectively, for those same stats. Maryland, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 15.0) and a free throw rate of 0.273 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Minnesota was 15.6 and 0.193, respectively. Jalen Smith fueled Maryland with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Michigan State rallied around Cassius Winston, who put up 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Smith led the Terrapins to a 67-60 win. He notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. One of Maryland’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Spartans were 10-14 (71.4 percent).
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Maryland currently ranks 36th in defensive efficiency (93.8) and Michigan State is 26th (93.0).
Michigan State Spartans at Maryland Terrapins Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Maryland ranks 64th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Michigan State ranks 204th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
- The Spartans average 40.9 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. The Terrapins rank 120th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
- Michigan State ranks 203rd in steals per game (5.3) while Maryland ranks 231st (4.8).
- The Spartans rank second in assists per game (17.8) while the Terrapins rank 141st in assists allowed per game (12.6).
- Michigan State ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.1) while Maryland ranks 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
- The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 8.5 for the season.
