The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-6 overall, 5-6 Big Ten) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (6-8, 3-7) in a Sunday evening contest at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill. Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Rutgers-Northwestern college basketball odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Rutgers at Northwestern: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Rutgers -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Northwestern +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rutgers -3.5 (-115) | Northwestern +3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Rutgers at Northwestern: Three things to know
- After starting the season 6-1, the Wildcats have lost seven in a row. Northwestern’s losing skid has included two home games — both were against ranked foes (Illinois and Iowa).
- Rutgers mauled Michigan State by 30 (67-37) at home Thursday. The Spartans committed 19 turnovers and shot just 28.6% from the field. The Scarlet Knights were a plus-7 in the turnover margin and have now been on that side of the turnover ledger in 10 of their last 11 games.
- RU took down the Wildcats 77-73 in overtime last season. The Knights were outshot from distance (47.8% to 20.0%), but Rutgers was strong in winning a 44-25 battle on the boards. Over the last seven meetings between the Knights and Wildcats, the visiting team is 5-2 against the spread.
Special College Basketball Betting Promotion!
Bet $1 on any college basketball team money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!
Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Rutgers at Northwestern: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Rutgers 72, Northwestern 67
Money line (ML)
These two offenses are similar, but Northwestern’s attack has exhibited more downside lately. Rutgers is the lean but not worth a play at -185.
Against the spread (ATS)
The Knights should have a fair measure of confidence after winning on the road at Indiana and then routing MSU. RU can defend mid-range and 3-point jumpers at a high level and is 5-1-1 ATS when following a straight-up win.
The multiple-possession tag here is a little scary, but look for the Knights to get a boost in the hidden-scoring departments of points off turnovers and second-chance points. BACK RUTGERS -3.5 (-115).
Over/Under (O/U)
The lean here is toward a game-flow bell curve hitting on too many numbers between 139-142. PASS.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]