Quite possibly the ugliest win of the entire college basketball season, Michigan was able to pull out a 49-46 victory at Nebraska Monday night following a gut-wrenching loss at home to Michigan State over the weekend. Dusty May’s squad is averaging 55.5 PPG over the last two games, a concerning regression from averaging over 80 PPG through their first 25 contests.
On the other hand, Rutgers is coming off two high-scoring wins against Big Ten newcomers Washington and USC. Future NBA lottery pick Dylan Harper turned heads during this stretch, averaging 29.5 PPG on an efficient 18/31 (58%) shooting from the field. Harper has dealt with health issues for the majority of his freshman season, which is a big reason why the Preseason AP Top 25 ranked Scarlet Knights currently sit at 14-14 on the year. A win in Ann Arbor Thursday night keeps their fleeting March Madness hopes alive, while a loss would make it simple: win the Big Ten tournament or miss the NCAA tournament.
How to watch Rutgers vs. Michigan
- Date: Thursday, February 27
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- How to Watch: Peacock
- Rutgers record: 14-14
- Michigan record: 21-6
Rutgers vs. Michigan odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Rutgers +450
- Michigan -630
Spread
- Rutgers +10.5 (-115)
- Michigan -10.5 (-115)
Total
- 154.5 (over -110/under -110)
Rutgers injury report
- No injuries.
Michigan injury report
- Rubin Jones, G: Questionable (undisclosed)
- Sam Walters, F: Questionable (back)
Michigan and Rutgers series history
- Michigan all-time record vs. Rutgers: 16-4
Rutgers vs. Michigan prediction
The oddsmakers suggest a double digit margin of victory in this one, but let’s not forget about the first time these teams met earlier this month. On February 1st, Michigan narrowly edged out a 66-63 road victory at Rutgers. An important note: Dylan Harper did not even play in this game.
Fast forward to today: Rutgers looks rejuvenated with Harper catching his stride and Ace Bailey as his wingman, while Michigan is in the midst of their worst offensive stretch of the season. It’s also desperation time for Rutgers. They need to win out in the regular season and make a deep run in the Big Ten tournament to have a chance at sneaking in off the bubble without a Big Ten championship. Meanwhile, Michigan is firmly in ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi's field of 68 and isn't as desperate for a win to keep their season alive.
That being said, I think the maize and blue get it done at home in a tight, back-and-forth game. Rutgers is 115th in KenPom Defensive Rating, and I expect Michigan’s veteran leaders Danny Wolf (12.7 PPG), Vlad Goldin (15.6 PPG), and Tre Donaldson (12.3 PPG) to get the offense back on track Thursday night. There’s no denying that Dylan Harper (19.4 PPG) and Ace Bailey (18.4 PPG) are incredible, and I expect them to keep this game close – but the dearth of scoring options outside the two highly touted freshmen will be accentuated on the road.
Prediction: Michigan 82, Rutgers 77