The Maryland Terrapins (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) and the Michigan State Spartans (13-8, 5-5) are battling to keep their postseason hopes alive, even though we just started February! Despite both sides having talented players, the year has not quite gone the way either of them would have liked. Yet, today provides an opportunity to continue to right the ship.
They just played in Maryland, during which the Spartans emerged as two-point victors. However, the betting market expects an even larger swing to favor Michigan State this time around. Regardless, this should be a good Big Ten game!
Even with both looking to avoid ending at .500, these are two teams who continue to grow. But no matter how much these squads have improved, earlier letdowns are leading to smaller margins for a possible NCAA tournament birth.
Maryland Terrapins vs Michigan State Spartans Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Maryland Terrapins | +7 -108 |
O131 -110 |
+245 |
| Michigan State Spartans | -7 -112 |
U131 -110 |
-305 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
- Fixture: Maryland Terrapins @ Michigan State Spartans
- Date And Time: February 3, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m. EST
- Location: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
Key Stats
Maryland Terrapins (Averages)
Points: 70.3
Points Allowed: 63.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 23.6/56.4 for 41.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 6.4/21.6 for 29.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.7/23.7 for 70.5%
Rebounds: 12.3 Offensive, 24.6 Defensive, 36.9 Combined
Assists: 11.0
Steals: 7.1
Blocks: 5.4
Turnovers: 12.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 22.4/55.4 for 40.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 5.5/16.2 for 34.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 13.1/17.8 for 73.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.5 Offensive, 24.0 Defensive, 34.5 Combined
Even though basketball is a team sport, in this case, we can simplify things. This Maryland Terrapins team starts and begins with Jahmir Young, regardless of anything else going on during the game. Despite standing at 6’1, Young leads this team in scoring (20.4 ppg) and assists (4.2 apg). There may be arguments over who the best guard is in the Big Ten, but when he gets it going, there aren’t many better.
Also, this team is playing well as of late. Additionally, even in their two recent losses, they came up short against the Spartans and a good Northwestern team. Lately, they have looked more cohesive on both ends of the floor. Despite some grumblings over Coach Kevin Willard, he may be doing enough to save his job. However, a strong finish and run in the conference tournament will likely be needed. Not just for his job security, but also to go dancing come March!
Michigan State Spartans (Averages)
Points: 76.0
Points Allowed: 65.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 28.2/59.4 for 47.5%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 6.9/18.8 for 36.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 12.6/18.0 for 70.0 %
Rebounds: 10.1 Offensive, 25.0 Defensive, 35.1 Combined
Assists: 17.6
Steals: 7.2
Blocks: 4.2
Turnovers: 10.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 22.7/56.6 for 40.0%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 7.5/24.0 for 31.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 13.0/18.1 for 71.6%
Rebounds Against: 10.5 Offensive, 23.8 Defensive, 34.3 Combined
Tyson Walker leads this Tom Izzo-coached team in scoring, but even if he doesn’t tonight, stopping Jahmir Young will be one of his priorities. Last time against the Maryland Terrapins, he had an impressive 5 steals, yet he only scored 15 points during 37 minutes of play. If Michigan State is going to take care of home court, he’ll have to play a large part!
Additionally, take out a bad loss against a good Wisconsin team, and the Spartans have been flying high as of late. Although a lot of this has come against the lesser Big Ten teams. If they are going to make some noise on the national stage, however, they will need to first take care of business at home this afternoon.
Game Prediction:
The spread was set too much in favor of the Spartans. On a neutral court, the way both teams are playing this would likely be a pick ’em, even though the current line says otherwise. While it started at 6.5, the line was pushed up to the Maryland Terrapins being seven-point underdogs.
I really can’t see this being a comfortable win for the Spartans. I’d sooner pick Maryland to win outright, but the points are too much to pass up. Regardless, outside of a complete road letdown, this game will likely come down to the wire. Maryland Terrapins moneyline can be considered, but the safe option is sticking with the spread.
Final Pick
Maryland Terrapins +7
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
