Hate to cause a SportsLine Curse on my Spartans with two other experts already on them, but Maryland has been trash on the road this season (throw out Saturday's win at atrocious and short-handed Minnesota), and Michigan State largely excellent in East Lansing. Perhaps a bit of urgency for Coach Tom Izzo's club as Sparty is nearing the Big Dance Bubble. MSU is tied for fourth in the Big Ten in scoring defense (64.9 ppg), second in FG% defense (41.8%) and first in 3-point defense (28.8%). The Terps are just 10th in the league in scoring offense (66.2 ppg).

Michigan St. returns home off back-to-back losses. At home, the Spartans are shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc and, overall, 52.7 effectively. They play better at home, averaging four more assists than their season average and their defense is holding opponents to less than 60 points per contest. Maryland has won four straight but the one road victory came at Minnesota. On the road, the Terrapins shoot 31.7 percent and turnover the ball over more, 12.6 times per game. I’m on Michigan St.

Maryland has won four straight, but the Terps' only true road wins have come at Louisville and Minnesota. This is a great spot for the Spartans, who have lost two straight but have not played at home in nearly two weeks. Home court has meant everything in the Big Ten this season. MSU, which has played the nation's toughest schedule, has won three straight in this series and has covered five of its last six home games overall. Look for Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard to handle Maryland's pressure and lead the Spartans to a cover.