No.24 Maryland Takes on No.6 Michigan in Battle for First Seed in Big Ten

No.6 Michigan(22-3)(11-3 Conf.) has been struggling as of late going 2-2 in their last four games and is coming off a very bad loss to Penn State. While No.24 Maryland(19-6)(10-4 Conf.) has won two straight games and is coming off a very good win over a ranked Purdue team.

How Michigan Can Win: 

Michigan has one of the best defenses in the nation only allowing 57 points a game which ranks third in the nation. If the Wolverines want to win and bounce back in this game they are going to have beat the Terrapins with defense. As in all of Maryland’s losses one thing that has stood out is the turnover battle. The Terrapins have had double digit turnovers and has lost the turnover battle in every loss this season. So if Michigan wants to win this game, they are going to need to turn Maryland over which will also help their offense.

How Maryland Can Win: 

Just like Michigan, Maryland is gonna have to win this game by their defense. One thing is constant in Michigan’s last two losses is their three point percentage. Michigan has shot less than 35% from three point range. This should be a thing that should be very achievable for the Terrapins. As Maryland has only allowed 64 points a game this season good for 34th in the nation.

Players to Watch: 

For Michigan Ignas Brazdeikis has to continue to play well for them to beat Maryland. Brazdeikis has averaged 14 points and five rebounds while shooting 49% from the field.

Bruno Fernando has had played great this season for Maryland and needs to keep this up for the Terrapins if they want to win the Big Ten. Fernando has averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 66% from the field.

Score Prediction:

Yes Michigan has struggled as of late, but they will not lose this game to Maryland. As the Wolverines have not lost at home this season and will definitely play better then how they played against Penn State. Coach John Beilein will have Michigan ready to go as they get a close victory over Maryland. Terrapins: 70 Wolverines: 74 

Image via: Sports Illustrated