The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-8) travel to face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-4) on Thursday, January 16th. This game will be played at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln and televised on FS1. Rutgers is coming off a win in their previous game, while Nebraska is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Purdue. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Scarlet Knights Are Coming Off A Win
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games
Rutgers improved to 9-8 on the season with a 75-68 win over UCLA on Monday, January 13th. The Scarlet Knights were +4 point underdogs going into the game and not only won but also covered the spread.
After trailing 33-30 at halftime, Rutgers turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring UCLA 45-35. The total points for the game reached 143, going over the pre-game O/U line of 137.5.
The Cornhuskers Are Coming Off A Win
Nebraska Cornhuskers Recent Game/Games
Nebraska’s season record dropped to 12-4 after a 104-68 loss to Purdue on Sunday. The Cornhuskers were +8 underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread.
Nebraska trailed 45-28 at halftime and gave up 59 points in the second half while scoring 40. The total points for the game reached 172, well over the 140.5 O/U line.
Scarlet Knights Offense Breakdown
Rutgers put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 46.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.9%. They hit 56.2% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 30% of their threes (6/20). At the free-throw line, the Scarlet Knights shot 67.7%, making 21 of 31 attempts.
Ace Bailey led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 53.8% from the field, though he was just 1 for 4 from three. Dylan Harper added 18 points, despite shooting 38.5% overall and 28.6% from deep. Eric Dailey Jr. contributed 16 points, while Sebastian Mack and Kobe Johnson each chipped in 13, with Johnson hitting 50% of his threes.
Cornhuskers Offense Breakdown
Nebraska’s offense put up 68 points in their last game, shooting 48.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.7%, with a strong performance inside, hitting 74.1% of their two-point attempts. However, they struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 22.2% of their threes, going 6 for 27.
At the free-throw line, the Cornhuskers were nearly perfect, hitting 10 of 11 attempts for a 90.9% rate. They grabbed only 4 offensive rebounds but dished out 15 assists. C.J. Cox led the way with 23 points, shooting 81.8% overall and 71.4% from three, while Fletcher Loyer added 19 points, hitting 5 of 6 from deep.
Scarlet Knights Team Defense
Rutgers gave up 68 points in their last game, with the opponent shooting 46% from the field on 24/52 shooting. Inside the arc, the Scarlet Knights allowed 18/32 shooting, good for 56%.
From three-point range, Rutgers held the opponent to 6/20 shooting, or 30%. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 31 times, where they made 21 free throws, shooting 67%. Rutgers allowed 11 offensive rebounds.
Cornhuskers Team Defense
Rutgers gave up 68 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 46% from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Rutgers’ defense held their opponents to 6 made threes on 20 attempts, a 30% success rate. They also sent the other team to the line 31 times, where they made 21 free throws, shooting 67%. Rutgers gave up 11 offensive rebounds.
Scarlet Knights vs Cornhuskers Trends
- Although Rutgers has a straight up record of 0-3 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 76 points per game in these games.
- In their last five games at home, the Cornhuskers have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 68 points per game in this stretch.
- The last ten games that Rutgers was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 3-7 while going 1-9 straight up.
- The Cornhuskers have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.
Scarlet Knights vs Cornhuskers Prediction
For a point-spread wager in this Cornhuskers vs. Cornhuskers game, we suggest taking the Cornhuskers at -8.5. Even though our predictions have the Cornhuskers winning 76-70, we see the Scarlet Knights as the better choice on the point-spread.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 145.5, and our model predicts the Scarlet Knights and Cornhuskers to score a combined 146 points. We recommend betting on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 17, 2025 Nebraska Cornhuskers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights