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Big Ten basketball is back on Thursday night with an early matchup between the Northwestern Wildcats (17-7, 8-5 Big Ten) and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-10, 5-7 Big Ten). Northwestern is coming off a home win over Penn State, winning 68-63 but failed to cover as 7.5-point favorites. Rutgers is fresh off an upset win over #11 Wisconsin, defeating the Badgers 78-56 and winning outright as 3.5-point home dogs. This is the only meeting between these teams this season. These teams split their games last season, with each team winning on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 EST from Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey, and can be found on the Big Ten Network.
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The Big Ten is having a solid season, but they are not the strongest conference in the nation, as that distinction either goes to the Big 12 or the SEC. Those two conference are each projected to get nine teams into the NCAA Tournament according to Bracketology, while the Big Ten is next up with six bids. That being said, Northwestern is currently in a good spot, as they are 4th in the conference with an 8-5 record, just a half game behind Wisconsin for 3rd. In their last game, all five starters scored double figures, led by guard Boo Buie with 15 points in the win over PSU.
Next man up mentality ??
First career start for No. 2?? @N_Martinelli1 pic.twitter.com/3jJcRsBMmi
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) February 13, 2024
Buie leads the Wildcats in scoring with 18.8 PPG, which is good for 5th in the Big Ten. He is a 6'2 senior guard and has made 54 three pointers on the year on 40.3% shooting from deep. He has scored at least 15 in his last six games, including a high of 29 coming against Illinois in a win. Brooks Barnhizer is a 6'6 wing that gets 14.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG, he leads the team in rebounding and recently had a double-double against Nebraska with 14 points and 10 boards. They are guard heavy as their top four scorers play on the perimeter. Ryan Langborg is a 6'4 senior guard adding 12.0 PPG, and shooter Ty Berry is a 6'3 senior adding 11.6 PPG and has made 55 threes on the season.
Northwestern is currently ranked 48th overall according to KenPom. They are 34th in offensive efficiency and 79th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats play slow offensively, their tempo ranks 327th in the nation based on their pace of play. Northwestern is currently projected to be a 9-seed in the NCAA Tournament in Bracketology.
Injury Report:
Questionable: G Ty Berry (knee)