153 replies to this topic

[BSLZackKiesel]

Maryland will have had a full week off by the time they play Michigan State on Sunday afternoon, while the Spartans will have played two games during that time span. Tom Izzo's team currently holds a 12-9 (6-9) record, and have won 3 of their last 5 games including a big win over #5 Illinois on Tuesday night. They'll play #4 Ohio State on Thursday night before travelling to College Park.

 

KenPom currently ranks the Spartans as the #64 team in the country, while the Terps come in at #31.

[BSLRoseKatz]

Said this in the Rutgers thread but it feels like for the best if MSU is on a hot streak going into this game

 

Either Maryland gets credit for stopping an MSU team going on its typical late-season hot streak or they don't get particularly punished for losing to a team that already won at IU on the road and beat Illinois 

[Mike B]

Said this in the Rutgers thread but it feels like for the best if MSU is on a hot streak going into this game

 

Either Maryland gets credit for stopping an MSU team going on its typical late-season hot streak or they don't get particularly punished for losing to a team that already won at IU on the road and beat Illinois 

Agreed, but I much prefer option 1.

[BSLZackKiesel]

I know there's still 3 big games to go, but when was the last time a Maryland team felt like they were actually getting stronger heading into the month of March? Even with all their success last season they lost 3 of their last 5 games, and that's been a pattern for Turgeon-led teams (which probably lends itself to why his teams have never played in a conference tournament championship game).

[Mike B]

I know there's still 3 big games to go, but when was the last time a Maryland team felt like they were actually getting stronger heading into the month of March? Even with all their success last season they lost 3 of their last 5 games, and that's been a pattern for Turgeon-led teams (which probably lends itself to why his teams have never played in a conference tournament championship game).

My sons and I were talking about it on Sunday.  I am not sure late season improvemnt has happened before in the Turgeon era.

 

I think a lot of it stems from Ayala and Wiggins.  They are a legitimate back court duo.  They need to stay aggressive.

[BSLRoseKatz]

Last four years, last five regular season games 

[Mike B]

Last four years, last five regular season games 

A combined 10-10.  About what it felt like.  It would be nice to drop a 5-0 this year.

[Mike B]

Last four years, last five regular season games 

Actually the 10-10 record is made worse, because of the dismal B10 tourney showing.

1-4.   No tourney last year but game 1 knockouts in 3 of the 4 years.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Their first Big Ten season (2014-15) is the last time they finished strong, won their last 7 regular season games. And of course they lost in the BTT semifinals and the NCAAT Round of 32 that year.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I have a bad feeling about this game.

You generally want to avoid Tom Izzo in late February/March.

[Mike B]

I have a bad feeling about this game.

You generally want to avoid Tom Izzo in late February/March.

Yea maybe, and anytime Turgeon squares off against a coach like Izzo, I feel we are at a disadvantage, but MSU will have played 2 high pressure games this week.  Maryland has had a week to rest and prerpare.  Get it done Terps and you are dancing.

[You Play to Win the Game]

I'm worried about this game to be sure. I was a few weeks ago, before MSU heated up. The good thing is, this is basically a play-in game at this point IMO. Win this one, and you're in (barring a total collapse).

[You Play to Win the Game]

In a good game in East Lansing, Michigan St is trailing Ohio State 49-40 with 13 minutes left. Northwestern is beating Minnesota 39-33 as the Gophers try everything possible to make that sweep look as unimpressive as possible.

[BSLZackKiesel]

In a good game in East Lansing, Michigan St is trailing Ohio State 49-40 with 13 minutes left. Northwestern is beating Minnesota 39-33 as the Gophers try everything possible to make that sweep look as unimpressive as possible.

They’re neck and neck with 6 minutes left. Regardless of the final outcome, Izzo has his guys playing. It’s gonna be a dogfight Sunday afternoon.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Michigan State will be coming to College Park red hot after this one. But I'd rather them come in having won this game than having lost it. Two days rest, after a huge win, coming to Maryland. Gotta hope they're a little flat, because if they play like this, MD won't have a chance.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Spartans win, 71-67. That’s two top-5 wins in the span of three days for them.

[BSLRoseKatz]

Said this in the Rutgers thread but it feels like for the best if MSU is on a hot streak going into this game

 

Either Maryland gets credit for stopping an MSU team going on its typical late-season hot streak or they don't get particularly punished for losing to a team that already won at IU on the road and beat Illinois 

Everything is going as planned

[BSLRoseKatz]

On Tuesday, @MSU_Basketball beat No. 5 Illinois. Today, they beat No. 4 Ohio State.

 

They're the first team to beat two AP Top 5 opponents in a span of 3 days in the regular season since Ball State took down No. 4 Kansas & No. 3 UCLA on back-to-back days in November 2001 in Maui.

 

https://twitter.com/...161218424647680

[Pedro Cerrano]

We ain’t winning this game. Sorry guys.

[glenn__davis]

I'm worried about this game to be sure. I was a few weeks ago, before MSU heated up. The good thing is, this is basically a play-in game at this point IMO. Win this one, and you're in (barring a total collapse).

 

Even with a "total collapse", I think if MD wins this, they're pretty much in.  They're not even really on the bubble at this point.  You beat MSU after the week that they've had, I think even losing their final 2 and then the 1st round of the Big 10 tournament and they'd probably still be safe.

 

Of course, it would be better to just keep winning and not worry about it.