It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-9, 2-6 Big 10) welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers (14-8, 5-4 Big 10) to Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
Nebraska is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 128.5 points.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Prediction
The Cornhuskers are trying to rebound after their 64-59 loss to the No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes in their last contest. Ohio State’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Nebraska. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.308 (above their season average of 0.236), while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 0.167 (below their season average of 0.269). James Palmer Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points on 11-for-18 shooting.
In the Scarlet Knights’ last game, they lost to the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines, 62-47. Michigan’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Rutgers. The Wolverines had a rate of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.552), while the Scarlet Knights posted a mark of 0.353 (below their season average of 0.451). Rutgers’ Deshawn Freeman had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the contest.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Rutgers should have a noteworthy advantage. The Scarlet Knights defense ranks 11th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.447), while the Nebraska offense is ranked 274th in effective field goal percentage (0.491). Moreover, the Cornhuskers rank 32nd in turnover percentage (16.4 percent), while the Scarlet Knights rank 58th in opponents’ turnover percentage (21.9 percent).
Nebraska comes into the contest with records of 14-8 straight up (SU) and 14-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cornhuskers’ 20 games with betting action, 14 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Rutgers owns records of 12-9 SU and 8-4-1 ATS. Much like Nebraska, games featuring the Scarlet Knights also tend to go under the total (61.5 percent).
After the Scarlet Knights won the lone game against the Cornhuskers last season, 65-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Rutgers’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights had a rate of 0.269, while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 0.116.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Nebraska is 6-4 ATS on the road with 7 unders and 3 overs.
Rutgers is 7-1-1 ATS at home with 6 unders and 3 overs.
Rutgers averages 40.9 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. Nebraska ranks 263rd in rebounds allowed per game (39.2).
The Cornhuskers average 5.7 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. The Scarlet Knights rank 153rd in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
Nebraska ranks 133rd in assists per game (13.7) while Rutgers ranks 235th (11.0).
The Cornhuskers rank 181st in three pointers attempted per game (20.8) while the Scarlet Knights rank 282nd (15.3).
Nebraska ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Rutgers ranks 36th (5.2).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Nebraska is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Rutgers is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 61.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (3.9 above their season average).
