Currently riding a four-game winning streak, Maryland men’s basketball (16-7, 7-5 Big Ten) now travels to East Lansing, looking to keep the momentum rolling on the road against Michigan State (14-9, 6-6 Big Ten).
This recent streak of games was capped off by the Terps’ second conference win on the road this season, beating Minnesota 81-46 in their biggest win of the season so far.
It was one of those games that was dominated from the start, as Maryland got a huge head start with some impeccable shooting splits. The Terps shot 56.67% from the field and 60% from three in the first half, which led to being up 41-21 at the break.
“I thought we came out very focused in the first 10 minutes,” coach Kevin Willard said. “I thought we got a little sloppy [in the first half] but the way we ended the first half and the way we came out halftime was really impressive.”
Despite not being ranked at the moment, the Terps’ defense has recently been playing at a level amongst the best teams in the country. Saturday night was no different, as Maryland were plus-11 in the turnover battle, forcing 16 turnovers and giving the ball up only five times.
While the Golden Gophers could only score two points off turnovers, the Terps got out quickly and created chances, scoring 23 points off turnovers. They did this while blocking Minnesota zero times, which shows the versatile ways of the defense with the 24th adjusted defensive efficiency in the nation according to Kenpom.
Sophomore forward Julian Reese had the spotlight on him, and took advantage of an opponent with very little defensive presence down low. He had 16 points on 8-10 shooting, as well as five rebounds and three assists to lead the way for Maryland, who outscored Minnesota in the paint by 18.
Reese is averaging 10.6 points per game this season, and has scored in the double digits in four of his last five games.
“I think Julian has become a dominant inside player, he is a guy we feel very comfortable running an offense through,” Willard said.
Graduate student guard Jahmir Young had a decent night by his standards with 14 points and three rebounds, a tick below his 16 point per game and five rebound per game season average. The rest of the contributors were crucial due to their three-point efficiency. Senior forward Donta Scott, senior guard Don Carey and junior guard Ian Martinez combined to shoot 7-12 from the three-point line in the win.
Now, Maryland faces a tough challenge on the road to extend its winning streak. Michigan State has been a tough team to face at home this season, going 9-2 at the Breslin Center. However, the Spartans have had a tough schedule lately, losing five of their last seven games.
Under coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State has historically kept games low, using its defense to key its wins. This season is no different, as Michigan State only allows 65.9 points per game this season, seventh in the Big Ten. The Spartans average 68.3 points per game, tenth in the conference. With the Terps allowing only 62.5 points per game this season, it will be interesting to watch the push and pull on both sides of the court.
One of the Spartans’ few offensive strengths is the three-point shot. Michigan State is shooting 36.9% from three this season, fourth in the Big Ten. But it struggles to be efficient with the ball, boasting a -1.39 turnover margin, second-to-last in the conference.
Michigan State has two experienced players leading the team this season. Senior guard Tyson Walker is averaging 13.8 points per game this season, while graduate student forward Joey Hauser is averaging 13 points per game on 40% shooting from three. Another player to look out for offense is the guy who runs the point, junior A.J. Hoggard. Hoggard is averaging 12.5 points and 5.7 assists per game.
Maryland has lost three straight games to Michigan State, all of them last season.
Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
