Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights 3/5/23 – On Sunday night, two teams that appear headed for the NCAA tournament meet in Rutgers vs Northwestern for their Big Ten regular season finale. As of now, Rutgers stands 18-12 overall and 10-9 in the conference; Northwestern stands 20-10 overall and 11-8 within its own conference. Rutgers won their previous meeting against Northwestern 65-62 back in January at Northwestern to secure a comfortable victory. NCAAB betting odds are up as these teams clash in an exciting game.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Date & Time: Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Jersey Mike’s Arena
Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Odds
Northwestern
Moneyline: +185
Puckline: +5 (-110)
Total: 125 over (-110)
Rutgers
Moneyline: -200
Puckline: -5 (-110)
Total: 125 under (-110)
Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Analysis
Northwestern Wildcats has had one of their best seasons in years, coming into this game with a record of 20-10 overall and 11-8 in the Big Ten. Although they are tied for second place with six other teams, Northwestern has missed several chances to move ahead of them; most recently losing three straight games against Illinois and Maryland — teams they are tied with. This season has been filled with highs and lows alike for this Wildcats squad, yet they have not capitalized on them. On Wednesday night, Northwestern suffered a devastating loss at home to Penn State 68-65 in overtime as 4 point favorites. They appear to be locked into a tournament berth but nothing can be taken for granted and this game against Penn State could potentially guarantee them a higher seed in the Big Ten tournament. Boo Buie led Northwestern with 20 points, 8 assists, 3 steals and 5 rebounds while Brooks Barnhizer added 19 points with 7 rebounds including 5 three pointers while Ty Berry chipped in with 10 points.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights appears to be on track for the Big Dance, but their hold on it is much weaker than Northwestern’s. Joe Lunardi at ESPN has them pegged as a 9th seed and at 18-12, they need to avoid losing any games or they may fall out of contention. Losing this game and an early exit from the Big Ten tournament could prove costly; Rutgers currently sits 10-9 in conference play and just behind Northwestern at 11-8; however, a win here could significantly improve their seeding for this year’s tourney. But Rutgers haven’t been playing their best basketball of late, losing 5 of their last 7 games. And their latest loss was as heartbreaking as it was devastating: 75-74 to Minnesota as an 8.5 point favorite. A three pointer from Minnesota’s Jamison Battle at the buzzer delivered a one point victory for the Golden Gophers, leaving Rutgers with no choice but to lose this game against Northwestern–who are considered by many to be conference’s worst team–to further dent their chances for tournament appearances this year. A loss here could prove costly for Rutgers’ hopes for further defeat in these crucial contests moving forward; an upset here against Northwestern could prove further damaging for Rutgers’ tournament hopes this year.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Against the Spread
Northwestern are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games. The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Northwestern’s last 9 games. Northwestern are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against Rutgers.
Northwestern are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against Rutgers. Northwestern are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on the road.
Rutgers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Rutgers’ last 8 games. Rutgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games. Rutgers are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games at home. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rutgers’ last 6 games when playing at home against Northwestern.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Pick
This final game of the regular season is crucial for both teams. Both come into it struggling, but need a win to boost their tournament hopes. These teams play excellent defense, with Rutgers slightly better at stopping threes. Both sides play excellent offense as well. Take Rutgers to win as per college basketball betting experts.
Free Pick: Rutgers Scarlet Knights -5 (-110)
