The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-3) will be at home in Louis Brown Athletic Center when they clash against the Fordham Rams (4-3). Rutgers is an 11-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 122 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Fordham Rams vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Preview
In the Rams last matchup, they defeated the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers, 76-68. With 18 points and nine rebounds, Fordham’s Prokop Slanina played well. Fordham played a nearly perfect game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 29.4 (above their season average of 19.2) and a turnover percentage of 15.0 (worse than their season average of 14.4). For those same stats, St. Francis Brooklyn put up marks of 16.7 and 23.7, respectively.
The Scarlet Knights hope to keep it rolling after blowing out the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in their last game, 92-54. With 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Geo Baker was the games high scorer. Rutgers dominated every facet of the game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (above their season average of 38.5) and a free throw rate of 0.306 (above their season average of 0.210). Fairleigh Dickinson had marks of 22.2 and 0.186, respectively, for those same stats.
Rutgers could dominate on defense as they square off against one of the nation’s worst offenses. Since the 2016-17 season, the Scarlet Knights rank third in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.457), while Fordham is 269th in effective field goal percentage (0.489). Additionally, the Rams, who rank 304th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.197), will battle against the Scarlet Knights, who rank 23rd in opponents FTA rate (0.214).
Both of these teams tend to finish under the projected point total. Games including Fordham have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while Rutgers games have finished under 60.0 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Scarlet Knights have a significant advantage. They are 8-3 SU and 3-1-1 ATS, while the Rams are 4-3 SU and 1-5 ATS.
The Scarlet Knights won the only game against the Rams last season, 68-53. Rutgers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (51.6 vs. 16.7). Fordham, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 21.3).
Fordham Rams at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Fordham, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Scarlet Knights rank 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Rams rank 140th (2.8).
- Fordham ranks fifth in steals per game (10.1) while Rutgers ranks 112th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- Rutgers ranks first in rebounds per game (41.4) while Fordham ranks 268th (29.0).
- The Rams rank 67th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while the Scarlet Knights rank 261st (15.6).
- Rutgers ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (12.9) while Fordham ranks 176th (14.8).
