Penn State vs Rutgers Prediction 1/20/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Rutgers (10-8) vs. Penn State (12-6)
January 20, 2025 6:30 pm EDT
The Line: Penn State -6.5; Over/Under: 157.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Penn State vs Rutgers prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, January 20th at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview
The Penn State Nittany Lions are 12-6 (2-5) this year after they lost to Michigan State by a score of 90-85 in their last game. Penn State trailed 46-36 at halftime, but they did score 49 points in the second half in the win. The Nittany Lions shot 52.8% from the field, 41.7% on three pointers, and 76% on free throws in the game. Ace Baldwin Jr. led Penn State with 20 points and nine assists, while D’Marco Dunn added 18 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Nittany Lions lost to Oregon by a score of 82-81 and Illinois by a score of 91-52. Penn State has lost four games in a row and their two conference wins came against Northwestern and Purdue. Penn State has scored 84.4 points per game and they have allowed 71.7 points against per game, while also averaging 36 rebounds and 17.2 assists per game this season. Ace Baldwin Jr. is averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, while Nick Kern Jr. is averaging 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this year. Penn State is shooting 48.8% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 10-8 (3-4) this season after they defeated Nebraska by a score of 85-82 in their last game. Rutgers led 40-37 at halftime and scored 45 points in the second half to secure the close win. The Scarlet Knights shot 49.3% from the field, 41.4% on three pointers, and 50% on free throws in the game. Ace Bailey led Rutgers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Dylan Harper added 21 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Scarlet Knights defeated UCLA by a score of 75-68, but did lose to Purdue by a score of 68-50 before that. Rutgers has lost three of their last five games, but they also have a win over Penn State by a score of 80-76. Rutgers has scored 76.8 points per game and they have allowed 74.6 points against per game, while also averaging 37.1 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game this season. Dylan Harper is averaging 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Ace Bailey is averaging 19.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game this year. Rutgers is shooting 44.9% from the field, 69.2% on free throws, and 33.1% on three pointers this season.
Why Penn State will beat Rutgers
- Penn State has won each of its last 10 games at Bryce Jordan Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Rutgers has lost three of its last four games at Bryce Jordan Center.
- Penn State has won the first half in nine of its last 10 games at Bryce Jordan Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rutgers’ last eight Monday games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Eight of Penn State’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
Penn State vs Rutgers Prediction
Rutgers comes into this matchup after winning their last two games and they finally have some momentum in conference play. The Scarlet Knights have beaten Nebraska and UCLA in their last two games and they scored 85 and 75 points in those wins. Rutgers is shooting 44.9% from the field this year, but they have had issues on defense, as they are allowing 74.6 points against per game. Penn State has lost four games in a row, but they have played three very difficult opponents in a row. The Nittany Lions have allowed 90, 82, and 91 points in their last three games, but they are shooting 48.8% from the field and the offense is scoring over 84 points per game. I know Rutgers just picked up a road win, but I don’t trust their shooting percentage on the road, especially with a bad defense. Take Penn State here.
