Rutgers vs Penn State are playing one another Sunday afternoon at Rutgers. There is much on the line for the Scarlet Knights regarding the NCAA Tournament. Some people feel like Rutgers could be on the bubble, but the Scarlet Knights have more than enough wins against top-tier teams in the country, so that should make them safe for the big dance.
Rutgers is currently in sixth place in the Big Ten standings with an 11-8 conference record, but the overall record of 17-12 is what could potentially have them on the outside looking in for the tournament. Rutgers is even (14-14-1) against the spread, seventh-best record in the conference.
Tipoff is set for 12 Noon at the RAC in Piscataway, N.J.
Penn State is currently in 11th place in the Big Ten, with a 7-12 conference record (12-15 overall) record. The Nittany Lions could potentially spoil Rutgers’ hopes for the NCAA Tournament if they’re able to surprise.
The #WeArePennState chants could be pulled out on the road if that happens, and nothing would be better for them than to spoil another team’s chances to go dancing in March. Penn State is actually 15-12 against the spread this season, third-best record in the conference.
The last game of the regular season for both of these basketball teams before the conference tournament begins next week in Indianapolis.
Rutgers only averages 69 points per game, the second-worst figure in the conference, However, Penn State gives up 73.0 ppg, the third-worst stat in the conference.
The Scarlet Knights’ defense has been carrying them this season, allowing only 67.6 ppg, the fifth-best in the conference. The Nittany Lions actually have the fifth-best Big Ten offense, averaging 72.6 ppg.
There’s no spread for this game available at the writing, but this could be a chance where Penn State downs Rutgers on the road, However, it’s very hard to see that happening, though it would be ironic to see Rutgers beat top teams earlier in the year, then not win a game it’s supposed to win against Penn State.
Senior guard Jalen Pickett is Penn State’s best player, averaging 13 points, four rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Senior forward Ron Harper Jr. is Rutgers’s leading scorer (15.8 ppg), to go with 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.