EAST LANSING >> Michigan State made it through the toughest week of its schedule last week, but the schedule ahead is just as tough. Today’s trip to Maryland is proof of that.

After dousing Michigan to take the inside track in the Big Ten title hunt, No. 8 Michigan State (22-5, 13-3 Big Ten) will take on a Maryland team that is one of the conference’s hottest. The Terrapins are on a four-game win streak, notching eight wins in the past nine games. Wednesday’s game tips off at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.

“Our depth should help us, but their talent is at a high level,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “Like I said, most coaches I talked to in the league say they may be the most talented starting five in our league.”

Maryland (21-6, 11-5) has banked on that talent to lead the way, with starters playing the lion’s share of the minutes. In fact, all five of its starters average more minutes than Michigan State’s own top dog, Jaden Akins, at 26.3 minutes per game. Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads at 30.9 minutes per game.

So far, Maryland has turned talent into its current hot streak — one that has the Terrapins nipping Michigan State and Michigan’s heels, tied with Wisconsin at third in the conference. Only one team — Marquette — has left XFINITY Center with a win.

Regardless of the venue, Maryland’s current streak has been keyed by a few areas. No. 1, it’s shooting the ball well — north of 40% in the past three games. Second, players are drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line, including 34 free throws two weeks ago in the win over Rutgers that started the current heater. And all that comes as its two bigs, Derik Queen and Julian Reese, average a combined 29.9 points and 18.4 rebounds per game.

“Our stats are very even in every area except, of course, the three-point shooting favors them,” Izzo said. “So the rebound battle, I think the missed shot is going to be very important. They got two guys that can gobble those up. We’re going to have to be solid in that, and hopefully we can take it at them a little in there and get someone in foul trouble with the extra depth we have.”

Key matchup

MSU’S PERIMETER DEFENSE VS. MARYLAND’S 3-POINT SHOOTING: Izzo alluded to it in his press conference, but Maryland’s 3-point shooting largely has carried the current hot streak. To think what Michigan State wouldn’t give for three games shooting above 40% this time of year. It’s going to be exceedingly difficult to beat Maryland without containing this area.

Michigan State’s defense hasn’t allowed over 40% three-point shooting since a Jan. 15 win over Penn State — the only time in conference play. On the season, the Spartans allow an average of 29.0% from deep on the year, ranking first in the conference and eighth in the country, third among high-major schools. An unstoppable force is meeting an immovable object in College Park, and whichever side budges first may lose.

Maintaining defensive integrity will require the strong closeouts and good positioning that has empowered such strong defense. It will also take sticky on-ball defense, particularly from Jeremy Fears Jr. as he matches up with stepback aficionado Ja’Kobi Gillespie.

Not only would strong perimeter defense handcuff an area of such success for Maryland, but it may also keep the Spartans from getting behind due to their own shooting struggles. For a game that may very well be decided four feet from the rim, the play outside will have an outsized impact Wednesday night.