The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-21) will try to put an end to their 14-game skid when they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-19) at Williams Arena. Action starts at 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 and can be seen on BTN.
The Golden Gophers come into this game on a high note after beating Maryland 68-63 the last time they played. Nate Mason was the team’s high scorer with 18 points on 5-for-15 shooting. The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, are coming off a 70-58 loss against Penn State in their last outing. Jonathan Laurent played well, registering his third double-double of the season with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Golden Gophers should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. They rank 27th in the nation at avoiding errors (TO% of 15.7%). Meanwhile, Rutgers forces the 45th-fewest turnovers in the nation (16.3%).
The Golden Gophers enter the game with records of 7-19 Straight Up (SU) and 9-15 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games, they are 3-7 ATS. The Minnesota defense has done poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 88.3 points per game, well above their season average of 74.1. Minnesota is very careful and attentive with the ball, averaging the 26th-fewest turnovers per game at only 10.7.
Over on the other bench, the Scarlet Knights head into the game with records of 9-14 ATS and 6-21 SU.
This game marks the season’s first head-to-head clash between the conference rivals. Their previous game was a Golden Gophers victory, bringing their SU record to 2-0 over Rutgers. The teams have an even record ATS, 1-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – Minn, ATS Winner – Minn
Notes
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights average 71.7 possessions per game and .947 points per possession. The Minnesota Golden Gophers earn fewer possessions with 68.4, but they score more points with 1.013.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers average an effective field goal percentage of 46.5% this season. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have an abysmal record of 1-18 when opponents have an eFG% of 46.5% or greater.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers attempt 20.0 three pointers per game this season, while the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempt 16.0. When they register 20 or more three point attempts in a game, Minnesota has a record of 6-8 while Rutgers is winless (0-4).
Minnesota has forced an average turnover percentage of 17.7% this season. Rutgers has a losing 5-11 record when its TO% is 17.7% or higher.
