The Breslin Center hosts a Big Ten matchup featuring Michigan State and Maryland. The Maryland Terpins have won their last seven Big Ten games against good competition. The Spartans have a tough assignment in this nationally televised game.
Here are the five most important players in this game:
1. Cassius Winston
Cassius Winston scored 12 points against Illinois, shooting 3/6 from the floor. This was not a poor performance from Cassius but rather, MSU needs more from the senior Guard. Especially given the current scoring slump amongst Spartan perimeter players. 25 points or more from Winston can lift Michigan State to victory.
2. Xavier Tillman
Xavier Tillman ended the game against Illinois with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Another quite double-double from the beloved MSU big man. Another double-double will be incredibly helpful against Maryland. Especially given Maryland Forward Jalen Smith’s tremendous rebounding ability. Tillman must battle hard in the trenches for each and every rebound in this Big Ten matchup against the Terpins.
3. Rocket Watts
Rocket Watts was on fire against Illinois, scoring a career-high 21 points. Most importantly, these points were incredibly meaningful. Watts scored bucket after bucket in crunch time during key moments. He is a crucial part of MSU’s success in this final stretch of games before the NCAA tournament. Let’s see if he can go for another 20-point game against an impressive Maryland defense.
4. Aaron Henry
Maryland has an absolutely elite perimeter player named Anthony Cowan Jr. Aaron Henry is arguably the best perimeter defender on MSU’s roster. As a result, he will likely matchup against Cowan more often than not. Henry must defend at the highest level possible. Cowan scoring more than 25 points is a recipe for disaster.
5. Malik Hall
Malik Hall is still a very young player and it shows on the court. He hustles hard and plays with energy but is still putting his game together. I think Malik Hall can certainly contribute significantly off the bench. Even if this contribution is just 10 points and five rebounds. Hopefully, Hall can ignite the Spartans with some high effort plays on the court!
Michigan State and Maryland play at 6 P.M. on ESPN tomorrow. Stay locked on SpartansWire for more plenty more coverage to come.
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