The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Creighton Bluejays are set to face off on April 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a neutral site that will host this critical matchup between two teams with their sights set on conference tournament success. Rutgers and Creighton, more commonly referred to as the Scarlet Knights and Bluejays, respectively, find themselves in similar positions, relying on a strong performance in their respective conference tournaments to extend their seasons. With neither team in contention for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid, the focus shifts to the conference tournament auto-bid, making each remaining game crucial in building momentum.
As the Scarlet Knights and Bluejays take to the court, they will be acutely aware of the small margins that separate evenly matched teams like themselves. Recent form has been a mixed bag for both sides, with Rutgers going 3-2 in their last five outings and Creighton managing just one win in their last five. The model prediction suggests a close contest, with Creighton narrowly favored, but the reality is that this game is very much up for grabs. The outcome will be decided by the fine details, and the team that can best capitalize on the opportunities presented to them will emerge victorious, taking a crucial step towards conference tournament success.
Averaging 16.9 points per game, has been the team's leading scorer, with his performance often dictating the outcome of Rutgers's games. His 2.9 assists per game also underscore his role as a key playmaker. With a record of 14-19, including a 6-14 mark in the Big Ten, Rutgers has struggled against top-tier opponents, as evidenced by their 0-13 record in Quad 1 games. The team's recent form has been mixed, with wins over Minnesota and Penn State in their last five games, but losses to UCLA and Michigan State.
The team's supporting cast, including and , has played a crucial role in Rutgers's occasional successes. Dylan Grant's 4.3 rebounds per game have provided a boost on the boards, while Darren Buchanan Jr.'s 1.7 assists per game have helped to facilitate the team's offense. His 8.4 points per game have also been a valuable contribution. Meanwhile, and have chipped in with 7.2 and 6.5 points per game, respectively, with Jamichael Davis also averaging 2.5 assists per game. As Rutgers prepares to face Creighton, the team will need to draw on these contributions to overcome their recent struggles.
Averaging 13.0 points per game, has been a crucial component of Creighton's offense, with his 2.4 assists per game also showcasing his playmaking abilities. The team's leading scorer, with support from 's 10.9 points per game, has struggled to find consistency, as evidenced by their 2-8 record against Quad 1 opponents. His 45% three-point shooting is a notable aspect of ' game, who also contributes 4.3 assists per game, making him a vital part of the team's backcourt.
With a 15-17 overall record, Creighton enters this matchup having lost four of their last five games, including a 61-72 defeat at Seton Hall and a 71-72 loss to DePaul. 's 6.1 rebounds per game have been a bright spot, and his 10.2 points per game have been complemented by 's 7.8 points per game off the bench. As Creighton looks to bounce back, Nik Graves' all-around skills and Josh Dix's scoring prowess will be key factors in their attempt to secure a win against Rutgers.
The matchup between Tariq Francis and Nik Graves will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Francis, Rutgers' primary scoring threat, will face a formidable challenge in Graves, Creighton's versatile guard who excels at both scoring and playmaking. Graves's ability to create for himself and others, as evidenced by his 4.3 assists per game, will test Francis's defensive capabilities and force him to work on both ends of the floor.
If Graves can successfully contain Francis while also exploiting any defensive weaknesses, it could give Creighton a significant advantage. Conversely, if Francis can outscore and outmaneuver Graves, Rutgers may be able to gain the upper hand. The outcome of this individual battle will have a significant impact on the team's overall performance, making it a crucial aspect to watch in this highly anticipated matchup.
CHD Scout Prediction
Rutgers
71
Creighton
77
Based on the provided data, I disagree with the model's prediction of a Creighton victory. While the model suggests a 68.3% win probability in favor of Creighton, I believe Rutgers will emerge victorious. The key factor that leads me to this conclusion is the significant disparity in the teams' overall performance, as reflected in their NET rankings, with Creighton holding a notable advantage at #83 compared to Rutgers at #134, but I think the Scarlet Knights can still capitalize on the neutral-site setting to pull off the upset, as it may help mitigate the Bluejays' usual strengths.
As the regular season winds down, both Rutgers and Creighton find themselves outside of serious contention for an automatic bid in their respective conference tournaments, with their only viable path to the NCAA Tournament being a conference tournament title. For Rutgers, a win would slightly improve their positioning in the Big Ten standings, potentially avoiding the lowest seeds in the conference tournament, while a loss would further entrench them in the bottom tier. Meanwhile, Creighton's position in the Big East is slightly more stable, but a win would still be crucial in solidifying their spot in the middle of the pack, as they aim to build momentum heading into the conference tournament. Given the low stakes and the fact that this game is a Quad 2 matchup for Rutgers and a Quad 3 game for Creighton, it's clear that both teams are more focused on the long-term trajectory of their programs than the immediate implications of this single game - and for Rutgers, the harsh reality is that another loss will only serve as a stark reminder that their program remains firmly stuck in neutral.