The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (17-11, 9-8 Big Ten) take their elite defense on the road to slow down the Penn State Nittany Lions (17-11, 8-9) Sunday. Tip at Bryce Jordan Center is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rutgers vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Nittany Lions G Jalen Pickett poured in 23 points in their 75-71 win at Ohio State as 3-point underdogs Thursday and has now totaled 96 points in his last 3 outings. He will have a hard time continuing his hot streak as Rutgers has the nation’s 8th-ranked scoring defense (59.8 points allowed per game) and held Penn State to 45 points when they met on Jan. 24.
Penn State ranks 8th in the nation in 3-point shooting (39.2%) and will be forced to count on these shots to have a chance to win. However, the Nittany Lions rank 351st with just 5.64 offensive rebounds per game, so second-chance points are not going to be a major part of their game, and missed shots will mean missed opportunities.
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