Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Rutgers vs Northwestern NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Evanston.

Rutgers vs Northwestern Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Scarlet Knights versus the Wildcats? Tip off is at at 9:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on BTN. The game will be played at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. This Big Ten conference matchup has an over/under of 140.5 points, and Northwestern is favored to win by -6.5 at home vs. Rutgers.

Rutgers vs. Northwestern Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Northwestern Wildcats
Where: Evanston at Welsh-Ryan Arena
Date: Wednesday, January 29th
Betting Odds NW -6.5, RUTGER +230 | NW -295 O/U 140.5

Scarlet Knights Preview: Taking a Look at the Scarlet Knights Chances in Evanston

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

The Scarlet Knights fell to 10-10 on the season after an 81-74 loss to Michigan State on Saturday. Rutgers, who were +7.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread.

Rutgers trailed 35-32 at halftime but scored 42 points in the 2nd half. However, they allowed 46 points after the break. The total points for the game hit 155, going over the 150.5 O/U line.

Scarlet Knights Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Rutgers managed to score 74 points despite shooting just 33.8% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.2%, and they hit 76% of their free throws, going 19-for-25 from the line.

Jordan Derkack and Jase Richardson led the way, with Derkack scoring 26 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three. Richardson added 20 points, hitting 3-of-4 from deep. Coen Carr was perfect from the field, going 5-for-5, while Ace Bailey struggled, shooting 4-of-17 overall.

Scarlet Knights Team Defense

Despite Rutgers' strong defensive effort, holding their opponent to 33% shooting from the field, the Scarlet Knights still gave up 81 points. They limited two-point shots to 36% shooting, with the other team making 14 of 38 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers allowed 9 threes on 30 attempts, a 30% shooting rate. The opponent also capitalized on free throws, hitting 19 of 25 for 76%. Rutgers gave up 15 offensive rebounds.

Wildcats Preview: Will Northwestern Find a Way to Win at Home?

Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Northwestern’s record fell to 12-8 after an 83-74 loss to Illinois on Sunday. The Wildcats were +8 point underdogs on the road and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 157 went over the pre-game line of 152.5.

Northwestern struggled early, trailing 43-21 at halftime, but they showed resilience by scoring 53 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40. Though they couldn’t complete the comeback, their strong 2nd half could provide momentum moving forward.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern's offense put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 44.1% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 threes on 25 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.5%, and they connected on 4 of 6 free throws, shooting 66.7% from the line.

Kylan Boswell, Nick Martinelli, and Jalen Leach each scored 17 points, with Morez Johnson Jr. adding 15 points and 9 rebounds. Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Jake Davis also chipped in 11 points, hitting 3 of 6 from three-point range.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense struggled in their previous game, giving up 83 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 44% from the field. Inside the arc, they were particularly vulnerable, as their opponent hit 60% of their two-point attempts, going 20/33.

From three-point range, Northwestern's defense held their opponent to 28% shooting, with 9 made threes on 32 attempts. However, they sent their opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 16 free throws at a 66% clip. Northwestern also allowed 21 offensive rebounds.

Scarlet Knights vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last five road contests, the Scarlet Knights offense has averaged 77 points per game while allowing an average of 84. Rutgers posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
Through their last ten home contests, the Wildcats offense has averaged 70 points per game while allowing an average of 74. Northwestern posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 5-5 ATS.
As the betting underdog, the Scarlet Knights have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. Rutgers posted a straight up mark of 2-8 in these matchups.
As the betting favorite, the Wildcats have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.