Rutgers vs Minnesota Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/18/24

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Sunday in college basketball action from Williams Arena. Rutgers is 14-10 so far following a win over Northwestern in their last game. As for Minnesota, they’re 15-9 after their latest loss to Purdue. Let’s get into our Rutgers vs. Minnesota prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Pick Dawgz.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Knights posted a 10-7 run across their first 17 outings this year, then hit a three-game losing streak versus Illinois Purdue and Penn State to finish off January. It’s been four straight wins over Michigan, Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern since then, however.

On Thursday versus Northwestern, the Knights faced a 34-27 deficit at the break. Rutgers posted a 36-26 run in the second half however, managing the comeback win 63-60 in the end. Top team scorer Jeremiah Williams finished on 15 points with five assists and five rebounds.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Over on the Golden Gophers’ side, their year began on a 12-3 run but it’s been a sketchy stretch in the last nine outings. Minnesota is just 3-6 in that time with losses to Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Purdue alongside wins versus Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan State.

In their latest matchup on Thursday versus Purdue, Minnesota held a 43-35 edge in the locker room. The Gophers faded in the second half however, falling behind on a 49-33 run for an 84-76 defeat. Dawson Garcia led the way in the loss with 24 points and three rebounds.

ANDREW’S FREE RUTGERS VS MINNESOTA PREDICTION

I’m going to lean toward Minnesota, but you could probably make a good case either way. The Gophers were able to hang with a great Purdue team on the road initially in their last outing, however they faded later on. Minnesota was outmuscled 44-27 on the boards in that one (17-7 offensive), which was probably the most important stat. The good news is that the Gophers are scoring well these days with 75 or more points in four of the last five (a 3-2 stretch).

As for Rutgers, they’re winning games with defense lately. The Knights have given up 60 points or fewer in each of the last four (all wins) and have been above 69 points just once themselves during that time. If this one stays low-scoring the Knights should have it, but I like Minnesota to score well enough at home to cover. It’ll be a fun one to watch regardless.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers -2.5