Michigan Wolverines (8-20) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-13)
February 29, 2024 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Rutgers Scarlet Knights -6.5; Over/Under: +139.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan Wolverines will play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten game on Thursday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the Michigan preview, Rutgers preview, betting matchup, and the Michigan vs Rutgers prediction.
Michigan Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are 8-20 (3-14) this year and they have lost five games in a row and 10 of their last 11. Michigan is coming off of a loss at home to Purdue by a score of 84-76 in their last game. Michigan trailed 47-36 at halftime, but did out score Purdue 40-37 in the second half in the loss. The Wolverines shot 48.3% from the field and were -13 in rebounding margin in the game. Michigan’s only win in their last 11 games came at home against Wisconsin by a score of 72-68. The Wolverines are scoring 74.8 points per game with 35.5 rebounds per game and 12.8 assists per game, while allowing 79 points against per game this year. Terrance Williams II is averaging 12.4 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game. Michigan is shooting 45.6% from the field, 70.4% on free throws, and 37.1% on three pointers this season. Michigan will meet Ohio State after this one.
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Rutgers Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 14-13 (6-10) this season and they have lost three games in a row. Rutgers is coming off of a home loss to Maryland by a score of 63-46 in their last game. Rutgers only scored 18 points in the first half and they were out scored 33-28 in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 37% from the field and were -13 in rebounding margin in the game. Rutgers lost to Purdue by a score of 96-68 and Minnesota by a score of 81-70 in the two games prior to Maryland. The Scarlet Knights are scoring 66.1 points per game with 37.5 rebounds per game and 11.9 assists per game, while giving up 66.4 points against per game this season. Aundre Hyatt is averaging 11 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game. Rutgers is shooting 39.1% from the field, 66.8% on free throws, and 29.1% on three pointers this year.
Michigan vs Rutgers Betting Prediction
We have two teams towards the bottom of the Big Ten standings facing off in this matchup, and one team will pick up a much needed win. Michigan has been the worst team in the Big Ten this season and they have lost 10 of their last 11 games. The Wolverines have been decent at scoring, but their defense has been really bad. Michigan is allowing 79 points against per game on defense, while Rutgers is allowing just 66.4 points against per game. The Scarlet Knights are great at defense, but their offense can be really slow at times. Both of these teams have struggled this season, but I think Rutgers at home is the play here.
