After nearly coming back to beat Michigan State on the road, Rutgers men’s basketball will return home to face Penn State in its regular-season finale. As with all home finales, this game will serve as the team’s senior night.
Both teams are coming into this game with the hopes of ending the season on a high note. The Scarlet Knights administration confirmed earlier this week that head coach Steve Pikiell will return for at least one more season. They will want to go into the Offseason with some momentum,
even if that momentum comes against the worst teams in the conference. The same applies to Penn State, which is searching for any positives in what is another lost season for them.
Penn State is led on offense by guard Freddie Dilione V, who is averaging 14 points per game. Right behind him is guard Kayden Mingo, who is averaging 13.7 points per game while leading the team in assists per game with 4.3. Forward Ivan Juric leads the team in rebounds per game with 5.2. Forward Josh Reed is averaging 11.4 points per game and is second on the team in rebounds per game with 4.
As a team, the Nittany Lions are averaging 74. 3 points per game, 29 rebounds per game, and 12.6 assists per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field, 75.5 percent from the line, and 32.7 percent from three. The Knights, on the other hand, are averaging 70.8 points per game, 32.9 rebounds per game, and 11.8 assists per game while shooting 41.7 percent from the field, 73.7 percent from the line, and 32.4 percent from three.
The stakes of this game, in terms of the Big Ten Tournament, largely depend on the Northwestern-Minnesota game that is on later tonight. As of right now, Rutgers and Northwestern are tied in the Big Ten standings, but the Scarlet Knights have the head-to-head over the Wildcats. If the Gophers win tonight, Rutgers is guaranteed a first-round bye. If Northwestern wins tonight, Rutgers will have to pull off the win tomorrow to get the bye. If the Wildcats win tonight and the Knights lose tomorrow, Northwestern will get the bye.
Rutgers already beat the Nittany Lions on their own court this season. Their defense forced over 10 turnovers in the first half alone, which allowed the Knights to race out to an early lead that they held onto for the rest of the game. Rutgers should look to have a similar defensive intensity tomorrow to pick up the win.
Rutgers vs Penn State will tip off at noon tomorrow inside Jersey Mike’s Arena. Live coverage for the game will be available on the Big Ten Network.
