The Michigan State Spartans are set to face off against the Maryland Terrapins in an exciting college basketball matchup in College Park, MD. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off on the Big Ten Network. With Maryland favored by 4.5 points on the spread and a moneyline of -185, fans can expect a thrilling contest. The total points over/under is set at 150.5. Let's delve into my Michigan State vs. Maryland predictions and college basketball picks for February 26, 2025.
For this highly anticipated game, the Michigan State vs. Maryland spread is currently Maryland -3.5, with the over/under adjusted to 149.5 points. The moneyline stands at Maryland -185 and Michigan State +150. My best bet for this matchup is on the Spartans spread, with the best odds available at DraftKings. For all your college basketball bets, ensure you find the best lines by visiting our live NCAAB odds page.
The No. 8 Michigan State Spartans (22-5, 13-3) will square off with host No. 16 Maryland Terrapins (21-6, 11-5) in a major matchup featuring two of the top three teams in the Big Ten. Michigan State is currently tied with No. 15 Michigan for the top spot in the conference, while Maryland trails closely in third place. Maryland leads the Big Ten in the NET Rankings at No. 11, with Michigan State ranking 10th in KenPom and EvanMiya.
The Michigan State Spartans made a significant impact recently with a 75-62 victory over Michigan on February 21. The Spartans began Big Ten play with nine consecutive victories, faced a brief slowdown, but are now on a three-game winning streak. Their depth makes them elite on both ends of the court, with 10 players averaging at least 15 minutes per game. They rank No. 12 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 23 in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Guards Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson have provided timely contributions, while freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. is fourth nationally in assist rate (41.3%), keeping the Spartans' offense on track. Junior forward Jaxon Kohler dominates in rebounding, leading the Big Ten in offensive rebounding percentage and ranking fifth in defensive rebounding percentage.
Boasting a 16-1 home record, the Maryland Terrapins are formidable at the Xfinity Center. They've won four consecutive games and are 10-2 in their last 12 outings. The Terrapins are second in the Big Ten in points per game (83.7) but rely heavily on their starters. Freshman big man Derik Queen, standing at 6-foot-10, is a powerful presence in the paint, shooting 55% overall and rarely extending his offense to the perimeter.
The Spartans' defense, seventh nationally in 3-point defense (29%), will be crucial against Maryland's sharp shooters like Selton Miguel (43%), Ja’Kobi Gillespie (42.5%), and Rodney Rice (37%).
Ultimately, the depth of the Michigan State Spartans is expected to be the deciding factor against the talented but thinner Maryland roster. The Spartans are predicted to cover the spread, with a strong possibility of success on the moneyline. Stay tuned for an exhilarating college basketball showdown between these two Big Ten powerhouses.
