Indiana at Rutgers Preview and Betting Pick
A pair of NCAA Tournament hopefuls will square off on Wednesday night for a key matchup in the Big Ten Conference. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Indiana Hoosiers and each team could use a win to help boost their NCAA Tournament resume.
Indiana comes into this game with an overall record of 12-10, but they have gone just 7-8 so far in conference action. The Hoosiers have lost two of their last three games, and they are scuffling a bit at the moment.
Rutgers has actually lost three of their last four games, but they have faced a difficult schedule of late. The Scarlet Knights bring an overall record of 12-9 into this game, and all nine losses have come to Big Ten Conference opponents.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 3.5-point home favorites over the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana at Rutgers Preview and Betting Pick: Hoosiers Hoping For Late Run
The Indiana Hoosiers looked like a lock for the NCAA Tournament just a few weeks ago, but they have let some great opportunities get away from them. There is still time for Indiana to improve their resume, but it needs to start with a win in this game.
Indiana is scoring just 72.5 points per game, but they are holding opponents to under 70 points per night. The Hoosiers aren’t a very deep team, and they will need to find a way to slow this game down.
Forward Trayce Jackson-Davis leads the way for the Hoosiers with 20.2 points per game, and he will play a huge role in this game. Jackson-Davis is a legitimate All-American candidate this season, and the Hoosiers need him to carry the load.
Guards Al Durham and Rob Phinisee have combined for more than 20 points per game this season, but the Hoosiers need more from their backcourt.
Indiana at Rutgers Preview and Betting Pick: Scarlet Knights Can’t Shoot
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are shooting just 31 percent from the three-point line this season, and that has become a real problem of late. Ron Harper Jr. is one of the best shooters in the Big Ten Conference, but even he has gone through a recent shooting slump.
Harper leads the team with 15.5 points per game, but teams have started to find a way to slow him down. Jacob Young has chipped in with 14.4 points per game, and he is one of the best defenders in the Big Ten Conference.
Center Myles Johnson will play a huge role in this game, especially when it comes to the defensive end of the floor. Johnson is averaging 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, and he will have to contain Jackson-Davis.
Rutgers has knocked off some impressive teams at home this season, and they simply need to find a way to beat a team on their level in this game.
Indiana at Rutgers Preview and Betting Pick: Rutgers Holds Serve at Home
Both Indiana and Rutgers are desperate for a win in this game, and that could lead to a terrific battle. Don’t expect a ton of points in this game as both teams really get after it on the defensive end of the floor.
Indiana has a habit of playing extremely well in the first half of games this season, and look for the Hoosiers to take a lead into halftime. Unfortunately, Indiana also has a history of blowing leads in the second half, and that trend will cost them again on Wednesday night.
Rutgers has been a much better team on their home floor, and they won’t let this opportunity slip by on Wednesday night. The Scarlet Knights will find a way to get it done and come away with a huge victory.
Bet the Rutgers Scarlet Knights -3.5 over the Indiana Hoosiers in the crucial Big Ten Conference matchup.
Final Score:
Rutgers 71
Indiana 65
