Game of the Day: Maryland at Michigan State

Leading the Spartans in scoring, and getting his groove back after a forgetful Nebraska performance, was Forbes.

And, just as suddenly, Maryland played catchup the rest of the game.

Michigan State is ranked No. 11 in the country with a 16-4 record.

Maryland (17-3, 6-2 Big Ten) was fortunate to be down just six to end the first half, considering its poor shooting (36.7 percent) and its continued rebounding issues. Throw in the continued absence of point guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr.

While guards Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes combined for 44 points, it was Costello who gave Maryland the most fits. The crowd in East Lansing rose to their feet after what looked like a bad play turned into a huge momentum boost for the Spartans. Trimble committed two costly turnovers down the stretch – one for carrying the ball at his hip and later getting stripped going down the lane for a drive. His second foul came when he was burned by Trimble had fouled him as he made a layup. Assists_Maryland 11 (Sulaimon, Trimble 3), Michigan St. 17 (Valentine 8). Both teams took a while to start making shots, but Forbes’ 13 points and Valentine’s 10 had MSU up 35-29 at the break.

Five years ago, the Spartans went through a re-brand phase, ushering in a new standard font and look for their athletic programs. On the season the freshman is averaging two blocks per game and Davis’ continued growth is a big key to Michigan State’s success this season.

After finishing 2nd in the conference in 3-point percentage last season with a lofty 45% success rate, Ziesloft has fallen to a more modest 43% this season.

Michigan State is 2-7 against the spread against the Big Ten, 1-4 against the spread following a game that they didn’t cover the point spread, and 1-4 against the spread following a loss.

The first nine minutes resembled last year’s first half between the Terps and Spartans here – or last Wednesday’s home game against Northwestern.

The Maryland Terrapins are 17-2 this season and they have won their last two games since losing at MI.

When you talk about Maryland the first player that comes up is sophomore guard Melo Trimble. Weather permitting, office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on exchanging tickets, please call the Maryland Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP.

Chicago State (4-19, 0-6) shot 10 for 14 from the field and 7 for 7 at the free-throw line in that span.