Next up on the NCAAB schedule, we head to the Big Ten for another breakdown of the odds and make our picks and predictions for this showdown between the Penn State Nittany Lions (13-6, 4-4 Big Ten) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-6, 5-3 Big Ten). Tip-off from Jersey Mike’s Arena on Tuesday night is scheduled for 6:30 pm EST.
This is the first of two regular-season matchups between the two schools, with Rutgers set to repay the visit to Happy Valley on February 26. This is one of only two NCAA basketball games today in the Big Ten, with the other featuring Ohio State and Illinois on ESPN. Continue reading for our Penn State vs Rutgers betting picks.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds
The odds for this matchup between these two NCAA basketball teams has Rutgers favored by seven points with an over/under of 129.5 points. The Scarlet Knights are -285 on the moneyline, while the Nittany Lions are +228.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Information
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Location of the game: Jersey Mike’s Arena. Piscataway, NJ.
Date: Tuesday, January 24. 6:30 PM ET.
How to watch: Big Ten Network.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Game Info and Analysis
Penn State Nittany Lions Performance Recap and Analysis
When we take a look at the Penn State Nittany Lions standings, we see them 6th in the Big Ten, three-and-a-half games back of Purdue. The Nits have traded wins and losses over their last four ball games and are 3-3 since the calendar flipped to 2023.
Last time out, PSU took care of business on their home floor against Nebraska, sending the Cornhuskers packing by 11 as 8.5-point favorites. Bucknell transfer Andrew Funk led everyone with 23 points, while Jalen Pickett helped out with a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double. Pickett has been one of the more valuable college basketball players for his team this year, pacing Penn State in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals this season.
Pickett is the top assist man in the Big Ten and seventh in the conference in scoring. Funk, meanwhile, has transitioned well from the Patriot League, leading the Big Ten in three-pointers made per game.
Key Injuries
There is nothing notable to call out on the college basketball injury report for the Lions.
Betting Trends to Know
Before we make our college basketball picks, some trends to consider inside the PSU program include that they are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The Nittany Lions are also 4-1 ATS in their last five Tuesday games.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Performance Recap and Analysis
Another check of the college basketball standings finds Rutgers just two-and-a-half games behind the Boilermakers, tied with Michigan for second place in a Big Ten that only features one ranked team this week (albeit the top-ranked team in the entire country).
The Scarlet Knights have already knocked off Purdue in their one and only meeting this season. They’ve yet to face the Wolverines and will also only do so once, at home on February 23. Rutgers has won seven of nine, including a stretch of five in a row, but they are coming off a loss to Michigan State last Thursday by 13 as 3-point dogs.
Key Injuries
Also nothing notable to report for the Scarlet Knights here. See below for our final Penn State vs Rutgers betting picks.
Betting Trends to Know
Before we jump into the NCAAB odds for this one, consider that Rutgers is 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss and 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Picks
If you’re thinking about future March Madness bets, Rutgers to make the tournament feels like the best path when it comes to a profitable wager involving these two schools. And as far as this game is concerned, we’re strong on the home team as well. They’re fresh, having not played since Thursday and itching to get out there coming off a loss.
Rutgers is 2-1 against ranked teams this season, boosting their resume for March. They may not face another ranked opponent the rest of the way, so it’s time for statement victories. That begins tonight as they take care of business against Penn State, though the return game could be a very different story.
If you’re looking to play a total in this one, keep in mind that the Under is 6-0 in the Nittany Lions last six vs. a team with a winning straight-up record and 4-0 in the Scarlet Knights last four vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Score Predictions
As for our final of the Penn State vs Rutgers Betting Picks, go with Rutgers 76 – 65 Penn State.
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