Nebraska vs. Rutgers Prediction
The 2019 Big Ten Tournament gets underway tonight when Rutgers and Nebraska meet up in an opening-round game at 6:30PM ET. Which team has the edge in this one?
647 Nebraska vs. 648 Rutgers
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
6:30PM ET – United Center
TV: Big Ten Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Nebraska is favored in this game, as the Cornhuskers are getting odds of -1.5 points against Rutgers. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 137.5 points. The public betting currently has 68 percent going on Rutgers as the slight underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Nebraska ends skid
Nebraska comes into this week as the 13th seed, but the Cornhuskers are coming off a 93-91 OT win at home over Iowa last weekend to snap a four-game losing streak. Nebraska is 16-15 on the season, 6-14 in Big Ten play, 2-1 on a neutral floor, 14-15-1 against the spread and 15-14 with the under.
The Cornhuskers have been led by their defense this season, giving up just 66.7 points per game while holding opponents to 41.5 percent shooting. The offense is putting up 72.1 points per game while shooting 43 percent as a team. Injuries have been an issue this season, as six different players are doubtful or out due to injuries or suspension. James Palmer Jr. is leading the team currently with 19.1 points per game while Glynn Watson Jr. is adding 13.0 points per contest.
Rutgers drop two straight
Rutgers comes into this tournament as the 12 seed, but the Scarlet Knights have lost their last two games to the likes of Penn State and Indiana. They also had a 6-game cover streak end during this brief 2-game slide. Rutgers is now 14-16 on the season, 7-13 in Big Ten games, 0-0 on a neutral floor, 16-13-1 against the spread and 15-15 with the over/under total.
The Knights are not a good offensive team, as they are averaging just 68.1 points per game while shooting 41.7 percent from the field. Defensively, Rutgers is giving up 68.8 points per game while opponents shoot 42.6 percent from the field. Eugene Omoruyi is leading the team with 13.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while Geo Baker is adding 12.3 points and 4.1 assists per contest.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers are just 3-11 against the spread in their last 14 conference games and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games.
Rutgers
Rutgers is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven neutral site games and 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 Wednesday games.
Prediction:
Rutgers won the first meeting this season, 76-69 against the Cornhuskers at home. Rutgers doesn’t have any experience on a neutral floor, but I don’t think that will be an issue. Nebraska has just been destroyed by injuries. While the Huskers were able to pick up an OT win over Iowa, they have been largely non-competitive away from home.
College Basketball Prediction: Rutgers +1.5