Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-10, 6-7 Big Ten) travel to the Minnesota Gophers (15-9, 6-7) in what should be a close game. Although teams have struggled away from home, the road team today looks to reverse that trend. Especially because they are on a four-game winning streak. Two of those teams came on the road. But it needs to be noted that those were against Maryland and Ohio State. And while the Terrapins are a tougher out than some may expect, the Buckeyes, not so much! Meanwhile, the home team looked stronger toward the middle of the season. However, they have since lost two straight as well. One of those coming of course in an eight-point loss at Purdue.
So how do you see today’s game playing out, and which side is trending in the right direction?
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Gophers Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | +4 -108 |
O 134 -112 |
+160 |
| Minnesota Gophers | -4 -112 |
U 134 -108 |
-192 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Rutgers Scarlet Knights@ Minnesota Gophers
Date And Time: February 18, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. EST
Location: Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Key Stats
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Averages)
Points: 66.8
Points Allowed: 64.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 23.9/61.1 for 39.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 5.7/19.3 for 29.4%
Free Throw Efficiency: 13.3/20.3 for 65.7%
Rebounds: 12.8 Offensive, 25.9 Defensive, 38.7 Combined
Assists: 11.9
Steals: 7.3
Blocks: 5.5
Turnovers: 11.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 22.5/57.2 for 39.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 6.9/22.6 for 30.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.8/18.1 for 70.3%
Rebounds Against: 11.3 Offensive, 28.2 Defensive, 39.5 Combined
Rutgers may not have the offense to keep pace with the better teams in the Big Ten, but they are on a bit of a hot streak right now. And it’s started on the defensive side for them. During their four-game winning streak, they are making it tough on opponents. Moreover, they held opponents to 60 points or less over the course of those games. Their last loss was against Penn State and even then, the opponent only scored 61 points.
Aundre Hyatt leads this team in scoring. He averages 11.3 PPG, but it will need to be more today Especially because three out of the last five games saw him without being able to cross into double digits. Against Northwestern and Wisconsin, he could only muster 10 and 11 points respectfully. Additionally, Clifford Omoruyi needs to keep Minnesota off the glass. He’s entering today with a touch over 9 rebounds a game. Especially because of some of the offensive struggles, some of those will need to be on the offensive glass today. Finally, Derek Simpson needs to keep his turnovers low today. In their last four wins, he only turned the ball over once. But in their loss to Penn State, the Nittany Lions forced 3 out of him. Therefore two or less is required of him today for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Minnesota Gophers (Averages)
Points: 76.1
Points Allowed: 69.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 27.2/57.5 for 47.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 8.1/23.0 for 25.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 13.5/19.8 for 68.3%
Rebounds: 10.5 Offensive, 25.9 Defensive, 36.4 Combined
Assists: 18.4
Steals: 6.4
Blocks: 4.6
Turnovers: 12.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 25.4/59.1 for 42.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 5.9/17.1 for 34.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.6/17.8 for 70.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 22.9 Defensive, 33.5 Combined
Minnesota Gophers are on a two-game skid. But those wins don’t look as bad as they came against a strong Purdue team and an improved Iowa team. However, they still need to play better. Getting into a good rhythm now before the Big Ten Conference tournament is crucial! They usually are able to outscore opponents in wins, while letting opponents do some scoring of their own. But to feel comfortable with taking this team, they’ll need to improve defensively against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Dawson Garcia leads this Minnesota team in scoring. At 17.6 PPG he’s someone to watch for. Additionally, he leads the team in rebounding from his forward position. Make no mistake about it, he needs to have a big impact today! But the play of Elijah Hawkins will ultimately determine this game. At 7.6 assists per game, this will be huge. But today he’ll also need to contribute double-digits in the scoring department as well.
Game Prediction
I see this game going in favor of the traveling side. Although the game is in the Williams Arena, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are playing better of the two teams. Additionally, their defense should bottleneck Garcia enough to make the offense sluggish at critical times. However, I see this being a close game. Therefore, I am going with the underdogs to keep the game within the spread. But I think this will be a close game that is ultimately decided in the last few possessions.
Final Pick
Rutgers Scarlet Knights +4
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
