Cover photo credit: Michigan University Athletics

Michigan Women’s Basketball (18-7 overall, 9-5 Big Ten) travel to play No. 17 Maryland (19-6, 9-5) tomorrow, Monday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX Sports. 

The Wolverines enter the game on a four game winning streak and have won eight of ten. The Terps lost their last game to Nebraska and are 5-5 over their last 10 games. 

Maryland is beatable at home. The Terps are 9-4 in College Park, while they are 8-1 on the road. Michigan has a winning road record (5-3), and the Wolverines just beat No. 22 Michigan State at their place on Feb. 9. Michigan knows how to get it done on the road. 

This will be a battle of big time guards, as both teams have dynamic duos. 

Michigan has Olivia Olson. The 6’1” freshman guard is averaging 16.0 points per game, 10th in the Big Ten. Michigan also has Syla Swords. The 6’0” freshman guard averages 15.2 points per game, good for 14th in the Big Ten. Both players are just 19 years old. 

Maryland has Kaylene Smikle. The 6’0” junior guard is averaging 17.8 points per game, ranked 5th in the Big Ten. The team also has Shyanne Sellers. The 6’2” senior guard is averaging 13.8 points per game, 22nd in the Big Ten. 

Maryland has the edge in team scoring. The Terps average 79.6 points per game this season, ranked 5th in the Big Ten. Michigan is ranked 6th in the Big Ten, averaging 78.7 points per game. 

The Wolverines have the better team defense. They give up an average of 63.6 points per game. The Terps give up an average of 67.0 points per game. 

Maryland has the advantage in total rebounding. The Terps grab 41.2 boards per game, third in the Big Ten. Michigan is seventh, pulling down 38.7 rebounds. 

Michigan leads in assists, averaging 16.0 per game; while Maryland averages 14.8. The teams average 16.2 and 16.3 turnovers per game, respectively. 

Michigan averages 8.2 steals. Maryland averages 6.9 steals. 

Maryland blocks 3.9 shots per game. Michigan blocks 2.4. 

All this adds up to a back and forth game that could go either way. If Maryland scores at its average pace and dominates the boards, look for them to defend home court. 

If Michigan can lock down on defense, look for the Wolverines to get the upset on the road. 

Prediction: 

Michigan 74 

Maryland 70