Tag: Maryland Terrapins

Michigan State romp over Maryland leaves Big Ten up in the air

Big Ten craziness

When the Michigan State Spartans authoritatively defeated the Maryland Terrapins in College Park on Saturday night, they left the Big Ten championship race up in the air. Maryland could have sealed the league title with a win. Instead, the Terps are now just one game ahead of three teams in a scramble for the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. If Maryland can’t sweep its last two games, we could easily have a split title this season.

Yet, the MSU win over Maryland left the Big Ten “up in the air” in ways which go beyond the conference standings. This result was more than just an act of dragging Maryland back to the pack and preventing the Terrapins from clinching the league title. This was a game which left everyone in college basketball wondering, “Was this a sign of Michigan State playing with familiar urgency under Tom Izzo late in the season, or was this a sign that Maryland isn’t a heavyweight team?”

It is hard to find a clear answer, and that is the ultimate sense in which the Big Ten is an uncertain place, one week before the conference tournament.

Yes, Michigan State looked strong in one game on one night, and yes, we have seen the Spartans come alive in March many times before after struggling in much of the regular season. Nevertheless, the Big Ten has been so up and down this season — with teams maxing out one night and then dropping stink bombs the next — that it is hard to have complete confidence in Michigan State’s win as an indication that the Spartans are ready to roll in March.

If anything, Michigan State’s March reputation is less relevant here than Maryland’s March reputation. The Terps have regularly fared poorly at the Big Ten Tournament. They have rarely done well in the NCAA Tournament under Mark Turgeon, a 2016 Sweet 16 appearance being their best result despite fielding numerous talented teams.

Will this MSU-Maryland result tell us more about the Spartans or the Terps in the coming days and weeks? We can all offer our answers, but the question doesn’t seem like an easy one to answer. This is why the state of the Big Ten is so muddled after 18 conference games. Not a whole lot feels safe, certain, or decided in this conference. That’s precisely why the Big Ten Tournament will be so interesting.

Michigan State at Maryland college basketball odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan State Spartans at Maryland Terrapins matchup, with sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks and tips.

The Michigan State Spartans (19-9, 11-6 Big Ten) make a Saturday trip to College Park, Md., to take on the Maryland Terrapins (23-5, 13-4). We analyze the Michigan State-Maryland odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.

Michigan State at Maryland: Three things you need to know

1. Eighth-ranked (USA Today Sports Coaches Poll) Maryland heads into Saturday’s contest with a two-game lead (over MSU and three other contenders) in the Big Ten standings. The Terrapins are coming off two conference road games, a loss at Ohio State and a 74-73 win at Minnesota. On Feb. 15 the Terps defeated the Spartans, 67-60, in East Lansing. Maryland held Michigan State to 60 points on a 41.8% mark from the field.

2. No. 24 Michigan State has played just twice since that home loss to Maryland on Feb. 15. MSU won both games; the second — a home game against No. 17 Iowa — was a win pulled out in the final five minutes after trailing the Hawkeyes for most of the game. The lead edge of the Spartan sword is the team’s defense. Michigan State ranks as a top-10 in the nation in a half-dozen analytics stats (such as effective field-goal defense, efficiency allowed, etc.) But a game-by-game look at the Spartans reveals a defense which saw its best days from mid-December to late-January.

3. Maryland is 15-0 at home this season but just 8-7 against the number. MSU has dropped two recent Big Ten road Saturday games (Wisconsin, Michigan). Away from East Lansing, the Spartans are 3-11 against the spread. In avenging earlier home losses, MSU is 1-2 ATS.

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Michigan State at Maryland: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maryland 68, Michigan State 66

Moneyline (ML)

The line here is Michigan State (+115) and Maryland (-139). This is a muddy play with the Spartans having a lot to play for and being well-rested. When having similar rest intervals earlier in the season (one game over the last eight days), MSU has been sharp.

WILL RESPECT THE LINE AND PASS.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Spartans have disappointed as a favorite this season, but they have the underdog label in Saturday’s contest. The Big Ten is a challenging league on these types of plays, and this one has an added layer or two of gray area.

WILL PASS ON MICHIGAN STATE +2.5 (-115).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is: 12-9 when Maryland is favored in a game … 16-11 in all MSU games … 6-0 in Maryland Saturday games.

The analytics side of this one likes a lower number. Defensively, these two teams yield 126.7 PPG, and 127 was the total in meeting No. 1. WILL PLAY THE UNDER 138.5 (-115).

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Texans met formally with Maryland RB Anthony McFarland at NFL Scouting Combine

The Houston Texans have formally met with Maryland Terrapins running back A.J. McFarland at the NFL Scouting Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Houston Texans are performing their due diligence when it comes to upgrading the running back stable.

The Texans will formally meet with Maryland running back A.J. McFarland on Thursday.

Unlike informal meetings, which usually have the position coach and aren’t limited, there are 45 formal meetings per team. The meetings are 18 minutes long, and they usually include more members of the club, not just the position coach. In other words, it is a group interview.

McFarland could have some skills that would fit the Texans’ offense.

“I feel like route running is important to me,” McFarland said. “The game is different now. There’s a lot of running backs now that catch out of the backfield, guys like McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara. They’re kind of changing the game, making it out like how it used to be for running backs.”

McFarland caught 17 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in his 11 games for Terrapins. On the ground, the 5-9, 198-pound running back carried 114 times for 614 yards and eight touchdowns.

According to McFarland, whatever team takes him isn’t just going to get a running back that can catch passes out of the backfield. They are also going to get a back that has underrated power.

Said McFarland: “I feel like everybody just sees me as a speed guy, but people don’t really know that I’m a tough runner. I’m tough between the tackles. I feel like I’m versatile. I can line up in the slot and do a lot of things. People never really saw me do it in college but I feel like that’s why it’s an underrated thing I have in my game.”

The Texans have their top two running backs in Lamar Miller and Carlos Hyde out of contract, set to hit the free agent market on March 18. Duke Johnson, who is primarily the offense’s pass-catching back, is under contract. If the Texans added McFarland, he would have to emphasize his ground skills or play special teams like Taiwan Jones.

Maryland at Minnesota college basketball odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Maryland Terrapins at Minnesota Golden Gophers sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks.

The Maryland Terrapins (22-5, 12-4 Big Ten) travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-13, 7-9) Wednesday night in a Big Ten tilt at 9 p.m. ET at Williams Arena. We analyze the Maryland-Minnesota odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.

Maryland at Minnesota: Three things you need to know

1. The Terrapins rank eight in the USA Today Sports Coaches Poll and had won nine straight contests prior to falling 79-72 at No. 23 Ohio State Sunday. Maryland still holds a two-game lead atop the Big Ten standings; getting back on track in this one would spell a fourth consecutive victory over the Golden Gophers.

2. Minnesota is just 2-5 over its last seven games. Offense has been the Gophers’ biggest issue over the seven-game span. Minnesota has shot just 37.7% from the floor, 28.9% from 3-point range, and 67.3% from the free-throw line. Those numbers include UM’s most recent game, an impressive 83-57 win at Northwestern in which the Gophers logged a 59.7% effective field-goal mark (a measure incorporating the risk-reward balance of 2- and 3-point makes and attempts).

3. Analytics are high on Minnesota in its home barn, even with recent home-hardwood losses to Iowa and Indiana. The Gophers will need to shoot better, but home-floor defense has been solid. This game comes in a tough stretch for Maryland — after tough road games at Michigan State and Ohio State, a second straight game on the road, and in a slot that perhaps has the Terps with an eye on their next game (Saturday vs. MSU).

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Maryland at Minnesota: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Minnesota 69, Maryland 66

Moneyline (ML)

The moneyline essentially has the favorite paying five points for the victory (instead of a push) on a one-point game. PASS Minnesota (-115) straight-up play in lieu of the one-point spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Gophers are 9-5 ATS at home. The Terps are 1-3-1 against the number after their last five straight-up defeats. In contests lined by 1-to-2.5 points, Maryland is 1-2 ATS and Minnesota is 3-0.

The Gophers figure as an unlucky squad and have the talent to be favored by three or four in a spot like this. BACK MINNESOTA -1 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Trends on the total are mixed. I have a lean toward the Over, but will PASS on the Over 133.5 (-110) proposition.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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WATCH: Chris Holtmann postgame Maryland press conference

Ohio State basketball head coach Chris Holtmann met with media following the team’s big win over Maryland. Listen to his comments here.

Ohio State notched another big win in its belt Sunday, disposing of No. 7 Maryland 79-72 on Sunday. It was the Buckeyes’ fourth win over a top ten ranked team on the year, and moved them back to .500 in the league with just five games left in conference play.

Chris Holmann was expectedly pleased after the game and took some time to sit down with the media for his postgame press conference. If you missed any of his comments, you can catch them all thanks to Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch.

Watch as Holtmann discusses Kaleb Wesson’s play, responds to some critical remarks from Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon, discusses how pleased he was with his team’s performance, and more.

Ohio State will next be in action at Nebraska on Thursday.

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Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann defends Kaleb Wesson in response to Mark Turgeon’s “bully” comments

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann responded to Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon’s comments about Kaleb Wesson being a bully on the court.

The Ohio State basketball team got a huge win against No. 7 Maryland on Sunday, one that will further cement its standing towards the Big Dance in March. It played composed, assertive, and with purpose in controlling the game throughout.

But there was a certain sound bite by Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon that got everyone’s attention after the game. When being asked about Ohio State big-man Kaleb Wesson’s play after the game, Turgeon compared him to a bully on the court — alluding to Wesson getting preferential treatment by the officials.

Head coach Chris Holtmann was asked about his thoughts on the comments made by Turgeon and had a tempered, yet pointed response to his Big Ten coaching colleague.

“He (Wesson) was described as being a bully,” asked Holtmann. “Mark said that? To each his own. His opinion can be his opinion. I thought Kaleb was physical and well within the rules, and played hard, played tough and played physical.”

Holtmann then dialed it up a bit, raising his voice a little in defense of his team’s best player. A guy that’s had to play through a lot of contact in a rough and tumble Big Ten.

“Listen, that kid (Wesson) has gotten pushed and shoved, and the number of times people have flopped on him throughout this year — he played well within the rules as he should have today. Kudos to him for that, because that can be frustrating.”

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There you have it. Of course coaches are going to have differing views based on what they see in defending their team, but both guys know what the Big Ten is about. You take it and dish it out in most cases.

Ohio State simply got the better of Maryland today, but it’s certainly something to watch if these two match up again in the postseason.

 

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Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon compares Kaleb Wesson to a bully postgame

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon compared Kaleb Wesson to a bully when asked about his play after the Terps’ loss to the Buckeyes.

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon was not happy after his team’s loss to Ohio State on the road, and he wasn’t pulling any punches after the game. Turgeon’s team was controlled through most of the contest, but got back into it late. Still the Buckeyes were able to hold on for a big 79-72 win, giving the Terrapins just their fourth loss in conference play.

Turgeon met with the media after the game and took offense to the way Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson was able to operate down low in the post.

“Tonight he (Wesson) made his shots,” said Turgeon postgame. “His pick and pop. And I just thought he was allowed to be the bully offensively today. I mean, he stuck a forearm right into Stix’s chest twice. I guess you’re allowed to do that here in this building. He was allowed to be the bully — if he’s allowed to be the bully, he’s a heck of a player.”

Turgeon did walk those comment back just a bit, praising Wesson, but the comments will not play well to Ohio State fans and coaches.

“He (Wesson) was terrific. He scored around the basket. His defense was great, his ball-screen defense and recovery was really good.”

Someone might want to tell Turgeon that the officials are not employed by Ohio State, nor is this something that is only happening to Maryland. The calls went both ways, and Kaleb Wesson has had to deal with getting his fair share of bullying against him.

It all sounds a bit like sour grapes and the head coach of Maryland should know better. In his defense, Turgeon was quick to credit Ohio State for its play right when he sat down at the postgame press conference, but that will be overshadowed by what will be perceived as poor sportsmanship. This is the Big Ten, and it requires teams to put on the big boy pants.

It’s not fun to watch a lot of times, and Maryland has had a fantastic season being tough and playing through a lot of what this conference offers. However, it didn’t do it tonight, and that’s the real story here.

You can bet Chris Holtmann didn’t agree with these comments either.

 

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Ohio State basketball gets big resume building win over Maryland

The Ohio State basketball team won a huge Big Ten contest against No. 7 Maryland Sunday.

Ohio State has been two different teams this year, on a couple of notes. There’s the home Buckeye squad and the road OSU team. There’s also been pre-conference Ohio State and in-conference Ohio State. The good one on both accounts showed up Sunday against Maryland in a 79-72 victory.

It all started with what had been the bugaboo for the Buckeyes, turnovers. Ohio State leads the Big Ten in turnovers during conference play, and it’s resulted in an under .500 record in the league coming into this one — especially because of the issues on the road.

Today though, the Buckeyes had just four turnovers in the first half, and only ten for the game. You’d still like it to be a little better in the second stanza, but it wasn’t a landslide of turnovers like we’ve seen before.

But it was more than that. Ohio State got on the boards — outrebounding the Terps 36-27 (13 on the offensive end), shot the ball well from beyond the arc, and played solid defense against a very athletic and skilled Maryland team. It had five players score in double figures. Heck, it even got some unexpected scoring from an unlikely source.

Luther Muhammad led all scorers in the game with 22 points, well above his 6.3 average for the year. He also played solid defense on Terrapin guard Anthony Cowan and had an all-around solid floor game.

Maryland tightened things up in the second half, but Ohio State never let the lead get closer than three points, and at one point knocked down 21-straight free throws to salt this one away.

With the win, Ohio State improves its record to 18-9, 8-8 in the Big Ten. It’s also a huge, quality Quad 1 win to add to an already impressive collection of wins this year. The bottom line is that the Buckeyes just notched one in their belt that almost locks them into the NCAA Tournament, barring an absolute collapse.

 

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With solid half, Ohio State goes into break leading Maryland

Ohio State leads Maryland by seven at the half, and it has its ability to take care of the basketball as the main reason.

The Ohio State basketball team is doing everything it needs in order to play with a talented Maryland team — at least through one half of play. It’s had hot shooting from beyond the arc (8 of 16), has limited turnovers (just four), and is rebounding the basketball well. The result is a 40-33 lead at the break against the nation’s No. 7 ranked team.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, games aren’t won over the first twenty minutes. However, as we’ve seen before, they can be lost, and so far Ohio State is looking like a team much more composed and involved in this game.

Surprisingly, Luther Muhammad leads OSU with nine points on 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Usually a defensive specialist, he has added a much-needed boost from deep. There has been balanced scoring with the Wesson brothers both chipping in eight, and C.J. Walker and Duane Washington both with six points each.

But this game has been about limiting turnovers so far. The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in turning the ball over in conference play, and that’s normally the area that determines being in the game, or out of it for the scarlet and gray.

Ohio State has shown it can play with anyone if it uses care with the basketball. So far so good, but it still has to take care of things in the second half.

 

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Ohio State vs. Maryland 2020 basketball preview, prediction, and odds

Ohio State hosts Maryland in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. We’ve got your preview, prediction and odds for the game.

Records

Ohio State 17-9 (7-8), Maryland 22-4 (12-3)

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Sunday, February 23
Game Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
Network: CBS

This feels like a pivotal game for Ohio State. It’s not necessarily a game it has to have to get into the NCAA Tournament, but it needs to have a good showing against one of the really good teams in the conference to build on something that could mean a deeper run in March.

Right now, this team is one that seems to lack confidence whenever it faces a little adversity. It can play from ahead, and can make a run when there’s nothing to lose and the game is out of hand. It needs a game where it pulls out a close one against one of the best teams in the country, and that’s the opportunity Maryland presents.

But does Ohio State have the horses and toughness to do it? If so, it’s a huge win. If not, the fragile psyche of this team will only cement itself further.

Here’s our preview and prediction for the game.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET. 

Next … The Ohio State game plan

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