The 20th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (12-2, 2-1 Big 10) and their outstanding offense head to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights (11-3, 2-1 Big 10) and their superb defense. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Scarlet Knights were victorious over the Nebraska Cornhuskers 79-62, while the Nittany Lions won a close one over the 23rd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 89-86.
The Nittany Lions had a solid turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 15.1), while the Hawkeyes had a free throw rate of 0.200 (below their season average of 0.263). Meanwhile, Rutgers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights had a rate of 50.0 (above their season average of 35.2), while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 31.9. Myles Johnson played a key role for Rutgers with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Penn State received a boost from Izaiah Brockington, who had 23 points.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Nittany Lions won the last game 66-65. Penn State made seven of their 17 three pointers (41.2 percent), while Rutgers was just 4-24 (16.7 percent). This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Rutgers. Rutgers ranks 243rd in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent), while the gambling defense of Penn State forces the 99th-most turnovers in the country (21.6 percent). Furthermore, the Nittany Lions’ 39th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.6) will clash against the Scarlet Knights’ 15th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 86.4).
Penn State Nittany Lions at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Penn State ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while Rutgers ranks 245th (17.9).
- The Nittany Lions average 6.3 blocks per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. The Scarlet Knights rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Penn State ranks 37th in assists per game (15.9) while Rutgers ranks 99th in assists allowed per game (12.1).
- The Scarlet Knights rank 17th in rebounds per game (41.5) while the Nittany Lions rank 197th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
- Penn State ranks 21st in steals per game (9.4) while Rutgers ranks 140th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 83.0 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.6, up from 14.1 for the season.
