The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0) will be at home in Louis Brown Athletic Center when they meet the Cleveland State Vikings (0-1). Rutgers is an 11.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 141 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.
Cleveland State Vikings vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds Preview
The last time the Vikings played, they lost to the Akron Zips, 67-57. Kenny Carpenter had a solid game for Cleveland State, contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds. Akron had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.1 vs. 9.3). Cleveland State, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.427 vs. 0.375).
The Scarlet Knights come in on a high note after topping the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils in their last matchup, 71-67. Rutgers received a boost from Mike Williams, who was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 5-for-10 shooting. Rutgers dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.0 and a free throw rate of 0.323. Central Connecticut State had marks of 16.7 and 0.148, respectively, for those same stats.
Rutgers could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they face off against one of the nations worst offenses. Since last season, the Scarlet Knights rank 46th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.471), while Cleveland State is 327th in effective field goal percentage (0.464).
The Vikings have had records of 9-23 straight up (SU) and 9-20-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Cleveland State games since last year, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights, are 17-18 SU and 14-13 ATS since last season. Over that same time frame, games involving Rutgers have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total (59.3 percent).
Cleveland State Vikings vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Scarlet Knights rank 48th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Vikings rank 171st (3.1).
- Rutgers ranks 161st in assists allowed per game (13.3) while Cleveland State ranks 247th (14.7).
- Rutgers ranks ninth in rebounds per game (40.6) while Cleveland State ranks 263rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- The Vikings rank 98th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Scarlet Knights rank 317th (15.3).
- Cleveland State ranks 33rd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Rutgers ranks 192nd (6.5).
