For the first time this season, Rutgers basketball will square off with Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon. Entering this matchup, the Scarlet Knights have won two straight and are 7-2 in non-conference play. However, the Bulldogs have thrived in non-conference games and are hungry for a win.
So far this season, the Bulldogs have been led by Josh Hubbard, who is averaging 16 points a game. He has also gotten some help from Jimmy Bell Jr., who has been a rebonds machine. The talented duo have made the Bulldogs formidable.
J-Mike has that 🐶 in him.
Jamichael Davis currently leads all freshmen in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio. 💪#TheKnighthood🛡⚔️ pic.twitter.com/GCLW4IInse
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) December 21, 2023
As Rutgers looks to record their eighth win, they will need their stars to dominate. That includes Cliff Omoruyi, who is averaging 11.7 points a game and Aundre Hyatt, who is averaging 11.5 points a game. They will play a key role in limiting the Bulldogs offense.
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Additionally, Rutgers will be playing at the Prudential Center for the second time this season, where they are 1-0. In their only game at the Prudential Center, they beat Seton Hall 70-63 in the Garden State Showcase.
While both teams have plenty to prove, Mississippi State is the favorite in this game, according to ESPN analytics. That has only given Rutgers added motivation. A win on Saturday would be huge for Rutgers as they prepare for Big Ten play, which starts on January 3.