Day three of the Big Ten Tournament begins when the 9-seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights (19-13, 18-13-1 ATS, 11-10 Big Ten) take on the 1-seed Purdue Boilermakers (26-5, 12-17-2 ATS, 15-5 Big Ten). Rutgers got here be defeating the 8-seed Michigan Wolverines 62-50 in the second round, winning outright as 2.5-point dogs. Purdue closed their season defeating Illinois at home 76-71, but failed to cover as 6.5-point favorites. These teams only met once with season, with Rutgers winning by 1 on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 ET from the United Center in Chicago and can be found on the Big Ten Network. The winner will advance to play the winner of the Ohio State/Michigan State game on Saturday.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights were a slight underdog in their second round matchup with Rutgers, but were able to pull out the win and take on the 1-seed Purdue on Friday. Against Michigan, Rutgers dominated the second half, outscoring the Wolverines 37-22 in the period. Rutgers senior guard Cam Spencer led the way with 18 points and freshman guard Derek Simpson added another 13 in the victory.
A little high low action ??#TheKnighthood????? pic.twitter.com/DpOXGvK4Mr
— Rutgers Men's Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) March 9, 2023
Clifford Omoruyi led the Rutgers in scoring and rebounding this season with 13.5 PPG and 9.8 RPG. The 6'11 junior was just named Third Team All-Big Ten, and was also selected to the All Defensive Team. Omoruyi is a beast around the rim on both ends, he also adds 2.1 blocks per game. Cam Spencer is their second leading scorer and top shooter. Spencer is a 6'4 guard who has made 62 threes on the season. Caleb McConnell is an athletic lock down wing who was just named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten. McConnell averages 9.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 3.0 APG for the Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers is ranked 35th overall by KenPom which is 6th best in the Big Ten. Their defense is excellent, they have two all league defenders and rank 3rd in the nation in defensive efficiency. They rank 172nd in the nation in offensive efficiency. Rutgers is currently projected to be an 11-seed in the play-in tournament for the Big Dance by Joe Lunardi.
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