Overview
There may be no program more disappointed at being stuck in the First Four than Notre Dame. Not that the Fighting Irish have a quibble based on their resume to be stuck there, but Notre Dame has to be kicking itself for letting opportunities slip through its fingers to improve its seed.
The Fighting Irish were in the race to win the ACC regular-season title but stumbled down the stretch before being upset by eventual conference champion Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.
Sports betting guides show Rutgers is likely fortunate to have made the tournament. The Scarlet Knights finished in sixth place in the Big Ten but were atrocious away from home. Rutgers was 4-9 In true road games.
The Scarlet Knights are seeing progress under coach Steve Pikiell, who became the first coach to guide Rutgers to back-to-back NCAAB Tournament appearances since the Scarlet Knights appeared in 1975 and 1976.
Last game records
Rutgers lost to Iowa in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament 84-74 March 11. The Scarlet Knights are 18-13. Notre Dame lost to Virginia Tech 87-80 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on March 10. The Fighting Irish are 22-10 on the season.
Matchup Information
Notre Dame at Rutgers Betting Analysis
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Analysis
Rutgers stumbled out of the gates, suffering through a three-game losing streak against DePaul, Lafayette, and UMass following a 3-0 start. What saved the Scarlet Knights’ season was a stretch in early February that saw Rutgers beat Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Ron Harper Jr. leads the Scarlet Knights in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game.
Rutgers doesn’t have the best shooting attack from the perimeter. The Scarlet Knights shot 33.6 percent from beyond the arc, which ranks 189th nationally and make 6.1 3-pointers per game. Rutgers averages 67.9 points per game, which ranks 264th nationally.
Betting guides show that while Rutgers’ offense has been underwhelming, their defense has been strong. The Scarlet Knights limit opponents to 65.2 points per game, which ranks 62nd nationally. Rutgers also limits its opponents to 41.2 percent shooting from the field, which is also 62nd-best nationally.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Analysis
When Notre Dame is at its best, the Fighting Irish knock down 38 percent of their 3-pointers, which ranks 18th nationally. Notre Dame is also proficient at shooting from about anywhere on the court, also making 46 percent of its field goals and 75.3 percent of its free throws. Nate Laszewski, Dane Goodwin, and Dane Godwin all shoot 40 percent or better from beyond the arc.
Blake Wesley leads the team by scoring 14.6 points per game. Notre Dame struggled away from home this season, compiling an 8-9 record in road and neutral site games.
The Fighting Irish limit their opponents to 31.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Notre Dame also limits its opponents to 66.2 points per game, which ranks in the top 100 nationally.
This is the Fighting Irish’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the 2016-17 season. Notre Dame has reached the Elite 8 twice under Mike Brey, who took over the Fighting Irish’s program during the 2000-01 season.
Team updates
Notre Dame is healthy coming into the game. The Fighting Irish lost guard Robby Carmody for the season before it started. Rutgers doesn’t have any injuries of note.
- Rutgers is 13-16-2 against the spread.
- Notre Dame is 16-15 against the spread.
- The Scarlet Knights have seen 16 of their 31 games go over the total.
- The Fighting Irish have seen the over go 16-13-2 in their games.
- Rutgers is 5-6 against the spread following a loss.
- Notre Dame is 5-3 against the spread following a loss.
Notre Dame at Rutgers Betting Preview
This is a matchup made more intriguing because of how both teams have struggled away from their home venues. Notre Dame relies heavily on its 3-point shooting. If the Fighting Irish aren’t knocking down treys, it can be a difficult row to hoe for Notre Dame to win. Rutgers doesn’t have much of a perimeter attack and relies on its guards to get to the rim.
March Madness betting odds have the Fighting Irish are one-point favorites. Notre Dame is -120 on the moneyline, while Rutgers is -105.
If you are going to place your March Madness bets in the totals market, the current over/under is set at 133 points. This game is a great example of a coin flip.
Notre Dame at Rutgers Betting Prediction
Rutgers has more NCAAB experience and seems to have a few more paths to victory than Notre Dame does. The Fighting Irish need their outside shots to drop, or it could be a long night for the Golden Domers. Notre Dame will also need to overcome its struggles away from home.
Rutgers will be able to get to the rim and gut out a close, ugly victory. The Scarlet Knights will march on to the Round of 32 for the second straight year.
Rutgers nearly upset No. 2 seed Houston to reach the Sweet 16 last season, which is what makes betting on March Madness enjoyable. Teams can struggle in one round but be giant killers in the next.
Bet Rutgers +1.
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