INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The conference tournaments are huge opportunities for teams on the bubble to bolster their resumes. For teams like Maryland and Michigan State they need to take advantage of every opportunity; entering Thursday, both teams were seemingly in the field, but a loss could be detrimental. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the loser of this matchup would likely fall into the “Last 4 in” and have to play a play-in game.
For Maryland (16-12), an early slow start led to a 12-point lead for MSU (15-12). However, Maryland’s defense locked down; starting near the end of the first half, they went on a 31-7 run in route to a 68-57 win. On defense, a mix of man and a 2-3 zone left MSU looking for answers. Their leading scorer on the season, Aaron Henry (15.5 PPG), was held to only 12 points on 5-12 shooting.
On offense, Maryland took the ball to the rim with authority, forcing many MSU fouls. MSU was whistled for 23 personal fouls by the final buzzer, leading to 28 Maryland free-throw attempts. Maryland hit 20 of those to shoot 71% from the line.
Eric Ayala was the leader for Maryland. He finished with a game-high 21 points, along with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His physical play set the tone for the Maryland run, getting to the free-throw line with ease (10-11 FT). Junior Aaron Wiggins was also a tough matchup for MSU. He scored 19 points while hitting 7 of 9 shots from the foul line.
Despite loss, MSU stays in projected field
For MSU, the loss marks another abnormality in an off-year for a historic program. For the first time, they will fail to reach the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. In recent years, they have been one of the two teams that automatically advanced to the quarterfinal round. However, that streak will end at 24-straight seasons.
Despite the loss, MSU should not have to worry about losing their 22-year streak of making the NCAA Tournament. Early in the Big Ten season, the streak looked to be in jeopardy. However, in the final 2 weeks they defeated No. 3 Illinois, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 9 Ohio State to change that narrative. Now, even with the loss, they seem to be a lock to make the tournament.
However, the loss does mean that Spartan fans will need to watch some of the bubble teams in Champ Week. If other projected 10 seeds can secure wins in their conference tournaments, MSU could be pushed to the “Last 4 In.” Those teams, while in the field of 68, play in the opening round play-in games.
On Thursday, teams like Colorado State and Boise State could control the MSU team’s destiny. If they can secure wins or even win their conference tournaments, it could push MSU into a play-in game scenario. Tom Izzo has never found himself or his team in that scenario in his career; surely, they will welcome any invitation to the dance.
Up Next
Maryland vs. Michigan, Friday, March 12, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
