Michigan vs. Maryland: Wolverines Look to Stay Alive in Big Ten Title Race
Despite being weeks away from the Big Ten Tournament, it seems March Madness has already begun. We’ve seen three game-winning buzzer beaters, all by ranked teams, in crucial games just these last few days. This includes a three-quarter court heave by Michigan State’s Tre Holloman to steal a road win against 16th-ranked Maryland. As we get closer and the stakes get higher, it seems the games only become more intense with each play. For the Big Ten Title, it has become a two-team race. Michigan State has a one-game lead in first place after a crucial home win against the scalding Wisconsin Badgers. Michigan, meanwhile, took a huge blow to their Big Ten regular season title hopes after a devastating loss at home to Illinois on Sunday. Now, they look to keep their chances alive on Wednesday against a very formidable Maryland team.
How Michigan Wins
Michigan has struggled securing rebounds on defensive possessions. In Sunday’s loss to Illinois, the Wolverines allowed 30 second chance points off 39 missed field goals. In a close game down the stretch, that will be the determining factor. If they want to keep their hopes alive for a Big Ten Title, and make a run in the NCAA Tournament, they will need to prioritize limiting opponents’ second chance opportunities. With big size from Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin, it shouldn’t be a problem, but the Wolverines haven’t been able to do it so far.
In addition, Michigan will need to take care of the basketball. No team in the Big Ten averages more than the Wolverines’ 14.4 turnovers per game. It’s been a problem all season, and likely played a role in the team’s loss to Illinois as they lost the ball 11 times compared to the Fighting Illini’s nine. Maryland doesn't turn the ball over much themselves, at just 10.5 per game, so Michigan will need to make sound passes throughout this game in order to maintain a possession advantage.
How Maryland Wins
Maryland is a fundamentally sound team. They limit turnovers, do not commit fouls, and score at an alarming rate. They do this by creating a fast, yet controlled pace throughout the game. They take plenty of shots, 61.7 field goal attempts per game, which is third in the Big Ten, and equates to an 82.1 points per game average, which is also third in the conference. If they can maintain this pace while possessing the ball and sticking to their ‘no-foul’ defense, they will be a tough out. Maryland will be an especially tough out if Derik Queen continues to have his momentum going. He is averaging an enormous 19.5 points per game in the Terrapins’ last six games. This includes putting up 23 on the road against Penn State on Saturday. Look for Maryland to try and give Queen the ball early and often.
My Prediction
This spot seems like a get-right game for Michigan, who has struggled in each of their last two contests, which includes a miracle, buzzer beater three against Rutgers that stole a win in what easily could’ve been a disastrous home loss. I think Maryland is a competitive team, but much of Michigan’s weakness is self-inflicting errors, a flaw that can be resolved through their own efforts. A well played, solid game for Michigan feels coming from this team led by savvy first year head coach Dusty May. Give me Michigan in another close win 75-72.
