The Maryland Terrapins (13-3, 2-1 Big 10) travel to Michigan State to take on the No. 1 Spartans (13-1, 2-0 Big 10) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 139.5 points with Michigan State opening as a 13.5-point favorite.
Maryland Terrapins at Michigan State Spartans ATS Prediction
In the Terrapins’ last outing, they beat the Penn State Nittany Lions, 75-69. The Terrapins had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.434 (above their season average of 0.313) and had a turnover percentage of 6.9 (better than their season average of 20.5). Maryland was led by Bruno Fernando, who put up 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Spartans had no trouble getting past the Savannah State Tigers in their last outing, 108-52. The Spartans held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.9 (below their season average of 24.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.686 (above their season average of 0.597). With 19 points and 21 rebounds, Miles Bridges played well for Michigan State.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Michigan State takes on the top-notch defense of Maryland. The Spartans rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Terrapins are 21st in defensive efficiency.
Maryland heads into the contest with records of 13-3 straight up (SU) and 7-4-1 against the spread (ATS). Terrapins games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Michigan State owns records of 13-1 SU and 10-5 ATS. Games featuring the Spartans have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (53.8 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Kevin Huerter (15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists) has been great for the Terrapins while Bridges (21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists) has contributed greatly to the Spartans.
After the Terrapins won the only game against the Spartans last season, 63-60, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Terrapins had a better free throw rate (0.212 vs. 0.133) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.433).
Maryland Terrapins vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Maryland is 2-2 ATS on the road with 2 overs and 2 unders.
At home, Michigan State is 7-2 ATS with 5 overs and 2 unders.
Michigan State ranks first in assists per game (21.9) while Maryland ranks 106th (14.9).
Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. The Spartans lead the nation with 8.5 blocks per game while the Terrapins are 33rd with 5.2 blocks per game.
Both of these teams are exceptional at rebounding the ball. Michigan State is third in the nation with 44.4 rebounds per game while Maryland is 33rd with 40.3 rebounds per game.
The Spartans rank 183rd in steals per game (4.9) while the Terrapins rank 185th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Maryland is 3-0 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Michigan State is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Terrapins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.2, up from 14.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 103.2 points per game (15.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
