As the college basketball season heats up, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-6, 0-2 Big Ten) are set to face off against the Pennsylvania Quakers (6-4) on Saturday at 8 p.m. EST in Piscataway, New Jersey. Following a tough three-game losing streak, Rutgers is looking to bounce back on their home court, where they boast a respectable 4-2 record this season.
The Scarlet Knights have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 73.1 points per game, resulting in a negative scoring differential of 4.2 points. In this upcoming matchup, Rutgers might need to tighten their defense as they face a Quakers team that has shown some potential on the offensive end.
For their part, Pennsylvania has had a mixed season, currently holding a 1-2 record in road games and going 2-3 against teams with winning records. They will be looking to make significant strides against a struggling Rutgers squad.
On the shooting front, Rutgers has averaged 41.2% from the field this season, which falls below the 44.6% they allow their opponents to shoot. The Quakers have been proficient beyond the arc, averaging 8.1 made three-pointers per game, although this is slightly below the 8.4 that Rutgers typically allows.
Key performers to watch include Dylan Grant for Rutgers, who is averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, alongside Tariq Francis, who has been contributing 10.4 points and shooting at a 40.7% clip over the last ten games. The Quakers are led by Ethan Roberts, who has been impressive with an average of 18.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while TJ Power contributes an average of 15.0 points and 7.6 rebounds.
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the Scarlet Knights will be eager to turn their fortunes around, while the Quakers look to capitalize on any defensive lapses to secure a road victory. The atmosphere in Piscataway should be charged as Rutgers aims to regain their confidence and find a path to victory.