It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-8, 1-5 Big 10) welcome the Northwestern Wildcats (10-7, 1-5 Big 10) to the Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Prediction
The Wildcats are trying to rebound after their 80-60 loss to the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines in their last contest. Michigan’s 12.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Northwestern, who had a mark of 17.9. The Wolverines’ mark was better than their season average of 12.8. Dererk Pardon led Northwestern in scoring with 20 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
The last time the Scarlet Knights were in action, they were blown out by the Purdue Boilermakers, 89-54. Purdue’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Rutgers. The Boilermakers posted a mark of 10.1 (stronger than their season average of 13.6), while the Scarlet Knights had a rate of 25.4 (above their season average of 15.5). Rutgers’ Montez Mathis had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
After the Scarlet Knights won the only game against the Wildcats last season, 67-58, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Scarlet Knights knocked down 14 of their 18 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.5 vs. 15.6).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Rutgers currently ranks 265th in possessions per game (68.1) and Northwestern is 288th (67.7).
Northwestern Wildcats at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rutgers ranks 40th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Northwestern ranks 212th (33.9).
The Wildcats rank seventh in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while the Scarlet Knights rank 115th (22.1).
Northwestern ranks 56th in assists per game (15.5) while Rutgers ranks 111th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
The Wildcats average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 34th in the country. The Scarlet Knights rank 68th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 6.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Northwestern has defeated opponents by an average of 5.9 points.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 64.2 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (7.1 above their season average).
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