Maryland Women’s Basketball Faces Michigan State Showdown: A Top-25 Matchup Preview
No. 22 Maryland women’s basketball is facing a crucial match against No. 12 Michigan State this Wednesday. The Terps, led by head coach Brenda Frese, are currently experiencing a challenging phase, having lost four consecutive games. This includes a recent defeat against Oregon, where Maryland fell 68-61.
Maryland’s Current Situation
Maryland’s recent performance has put them in a precarious position. The team has never lost five games in a row during Frese’s 24 seasons at the helm. They are looking to turn things around as they head to the Breslin Center for the game, set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.
Michigan State’s Strong Season
The Spartans, under head coach Robyn Fralick, boast a record of 19-3 and are 8-3 in Big Ten play. This marks Fralick’s third season with Michigan State, where she has already secured two NCAA Tournament appearances. The Spartans remain a formidable opponent, having won eight of their last ten games.
Key Players for Michigan State
- Grace VanSlooten (No. 14, Senior Forward) – Averaging 15.1 points and 6.3 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of 50.7% from the field.
- Kennedy Blair (No. 35, Redshirt Sophomore Guard) – Contributing 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
- Rashunda Jones (No. 1, Junior Guard) – Known for her defensive skills, averaging 2.6 steals and 12.6 points per game.
Scoring and Performance Metrics
Michigan State is currently one of the highest-scoring teams in the Big Ten, averaging 86.2 points per game. They hold the third-highest scoring differential at 24.3 points. Their shooting accuracy from the field stands at 49.4%, the second-best in the conference.
Comparison in 3-Point Shooting
In terms of 3-point shooting, Michigan State ranks third in the Big Ten at 37.4% overall but has struggled since the conference games began, dropping to 31%. Similarly, Maryland has also faced challenges, shooting 31.3% in conference play.
Maryland’s Performance in the Big Ten
Maryland’s current conference record is 5-6, and they are seeking to avoid their first losing season in Big Ten play. Historically, they have never finished with a losing record since joining the conference.
Areas for Improvement
- The Terps need to improve their performance in close games, with several losses occurring when the game was competitive in the fourth quarter.
- Reducing turnovers is essential, as they currently average 15.9 per game in conference matchups.
- Improving their 3-point shooting will also be critical, as their current percentage ranks among the lowest in the conference.
This matchup against Michigan State is pivotal for Maryland as they aim to reclaim their momentum and secure a vital victory in the Big Ten standings.
