This is in no way meant to assume we beat Houston---but many are having a small breakdown over the fact we might play MSU---i think a look at the numbers assuages a lot of those fears.

Courtesy of Ken Pomeroy

First the Terps....

Four Factors (by rank in the nation):

                  Offense             Defense
EFG%            6                      40
TO %             17                     88
Reb. %           77                    313
FG/FTA          272                   12



Now MSU

EF%              64                      88
TO %             222                    239
Reb. %          6                        23
FG/FTA         212                     31


Some thoughts:

-MSU clearly has a STRONG edge on the boards. By sheer numbers, they are the top all around rebounding team we have played (Wisc. was a better Defensive rebounding team and GTech was a better offensive rebounding team but MSU is better overall).
-MD clearly has an edge in TO's as they are better at hanging on to the ball and better at forcing TOs
-MD clearly has a better offense and a better first shot defense
-Both teams play D without fouling and are not elite at getting to the line on offense

So Maryland, if they can force enough turnovers to compensate for what will likely be a small gap on the boards should be able to roll over an MSU team that is average at best on offense and defense.

It's all about getting an equal number of possessions. As long as MSU isn't getting an insane amount of 2nd chance points and not turning it over---we should roll.