Who: Maryland Terrapins (22-7, 10-6 Big Ten) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-16, 2-14)
When: Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. EST
Where: Louis Brown Athletic Center, Piscataway, New Jersey
Channel: Big Ten Network
Stream: BTN2Go
For the first time in the Melo Trimble era, Maryland is on a three-game losing streak. While the Terps’ loss to Wisconsin was a major surprise, dropping back-to-back home games to Minnesota and Iowa has Maryland in an unexpected slide. Now, Maryland can either right the ship before facing Michigan State, or further slip into a funk by losing to the Big Ten’s worst team.
What to watch on Maryland’s side
Justin Jackson had a red-hot two-game stretch against Minnesota and Ohio State in late January, averaging 25 points and hitting 75 percent of his threes. Since then, Jackson has notably cooled off. Jackson has averaged 8.3 points over his last seven games, and his three-point shooting has cooled off to 42 percent. Jackson providing a big performance as he did against Minnesota and Ohio State would be key to ending Maryland’s losing streak.
What to watch on Rutgers’ side
When Rutgers plays, be prepared for bad three-point shooting on both sides of the ball. The Scarlet Knights have shot under 30 percent on threes in Big Ten play, while holding their conference opponents to 32 percent shooting from deep. Besides a staunch perimeter defense, Rutgers also has the best offensive rebounding percentage out of all Big Ten teams in conference play. Poor outside shooting combined with trouble on the defensive glass could be the perfect formula for Maryland to lost its fourth straight game.
