After losing in brutal fashion in both of their Los Angeles road games, the competition will not get any easier for Rutgers men’s basketball as they will try to break their seven game losing streak this Saturday against No.9 Nebraska.
After having an undefeated season up until the last week of January, the Cornhuskers will be coming into this game on a two game losing streak after dropping close contests to No.3 Michigan, 75-72, and No.9 Illinois, 78-69. Nebraska has pulled off two wins against ranked
opponents this season, beating then No.9 Michigan State and Illinois in their first Game.
Rutgers falls at a very interesting time on the Cornhuskers schedule, as their game against the Scarlet Knights comes in between between three ranked games for them, as they have to play No.12 Purdue three days after they play Rutgers.
Nebraska is led by their trio of forwards consisting of Pryce Sandfort, Rienk Mast, and Braden Frager, and guard Jamarques Lawrence. All four average over 10 points per game and 22 minutes per game. Sandfort leads the team in points per game with 17.2, while Mast leads the team in rebounds with 5.9. Guard Sam Hoiberg leads the team in assists per game with 4.3.
As a team, Nebraska is averaging 80 points per game, 35.4 rebounds per game, and 18.4 assists per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the floor, 76.2 percent from the line, and 35.8 percent from three. Rutgers in comparison is averaging 70.2 points per game, 34.4 rebounds per game, and 11 assists per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the field, 72.7 percent from the line, and 32.2 percent from three.
The major problem that Nebraska poses to Rutgers is that they are an extremely well rounded team without a glaring weakness that the Knights can exploit. They are great on the offensive and defensive glass, they take care of the ball well, they pass the ball with efficiency, and perhaps most importantly, they can score. Unless they have an off game, the Cornhuskers aren’t going to make mistakes that aren’t forced.
For Rutgers, their best chance to stay competitive is to force Nebraska to make the mistakes they usually don’t. Attack the ball, attack the glass, press heavy on defense. Playing with energy, backed by a home crowd, is the best chance Rutgers has to keep the game close.
Rutgers vs Nebraska will tip off tomorrow at noon inside Jersey Mike’s Arena. Live coverage for the game will be available on the Big Ten Network.
