Maryland’s ‘Crab Five’ Faces Michigan State in Must-Watch Big Ten Battle

The No. 16 Maryland Terrapins have rediscovered an old identity with a fresh twist. Reviving the nickname “The Crab Five,” their high-scoring starting unit has carried them to four straight wins and eight victories in their last nine games. Now, the Terrapins look to keep the momentum going as they host No. 8 Michigan State in a crucial Big Ten showdown on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Spartans are also red-hot, fresh off statement wins over No. 13 Purdue and No. 12 Michigan. With both teams eyeing the top of the conference standings, this game has major implications for the Big Ten race and NCAA Tournament seeding.

Maryland’s Starters Are Dominating

The **new Crab Five—Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Selton Miguel, Derik Queen, Julian Reese, and Rodney Rice—**has been the highest-scoring starting unit in the country, averaging 70.4 points per game.

With three transfer guards and a standout freshman in the frontcourt, this group has found instant chemistry, and the results speak for themselves.

• Derik Queen leads the team in scoring with 15.9 points per game, quickly rising up NBA draft boards.
• Julian Reese has been dominant inside, shooting 64.7% from the field during Maryland’s winning streak.
• All five starters have scored in double figures in three straight games, showing the team’s balanced attack.

Even with bench contributions being minimal, head coach Kevin Willard is unfazed.

When asked if he was concerned about his reserves scoring just three points in Maryland’s 88-71 win over USC, Willard’s response was simple:

“No,” he said.

What he does love, however, is the defensive energy and inside presence his team brings every night.

“I just like the way they’re playing. I think they have a lot of confidence. I like our defensive intensity. More than anything, I like the fact that I can throw the ball inside on a consistent basis,” Willard said.

Maryland’s ability to dominate the paint will be key against Michigan State’s deep frontcourt rotation.

Michigan State’s Size & Depth Pose a Challenge

The Spartans have their own firepower, and they’ve been just as hot as Maryland.

Their frontcourt rotation of Szymon Zapala (7-0), Carson Cooper (6-11), Xavier Booker (6-11), and Jaxon Kohler (6-9) has been a defensive force, averaging 23.8 points and 19.1 rebounds per game.

But Michigan State’s biggest recent weapon? Freshman guard Jase Richardson.

• Richardson has averaged 17.2 points over the last five games, shooting 54.7% from the field.
• He dropped 21 points and had three steals in Michigan State’s 75-62 win over Michigan.

“Jase Richardson was phenomenal,” head coach Tom Izzo said after the victory. “I actually think he took another big step today, not just in his play but in the other parts of his game.”

With Richardson stepping up, it’s relieving pressure off Jaden Akins (13.0 ppg) and giving freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. another reliable scoring option.

The Spartans have also owned the recent series, winning the last six matchups—though none by more than 10 points.

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Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?

This game features two of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, each with their own strengths:

• Maryland thrives on elite starting five chemistry, offensive efficiency, and interior dominance.
• Michigan State has depth, size, and a rapidly improving freshman star in Jase Richardson.

With both teams gunning for a top seed in the Big Ten Tournament, this one could go down to the wire.

📅 Tip-Off: Wednesday Night – Don’t Miss It!.

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