Ohio State Heads to Rutgers Facing Costly Upset Risk

An upset would register as a Quad-3 stain on the Buckeyes’ at-large profile.

Overview

Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway with live coverage on Peacock.
Ohio State enters 9-3 off an 89-63 win and is a sizable road favorite at roughly -9.5 with a total near 150.5, a result that would add little to its resume while a loss would be damaging.
The Buckeyes bring a top-tier Big Ten offense at 86.3 points on 50.9% shooting, led by guard Bruce Thornton at about 21.0 points per game.
Rutgers is 7-6 and 0-2 in the league, ranking last in the Big Ten in scoring at 68.7 points and field-goal percentage at 40.3%, though the Scarlet Knights are 6-2 at home.
Coach Steve Pikiell has zeroed in on rebounding after a 52-board outing with 21 offensive rebounds, and Rutgers’ best path is to slow the pace and limit possessions.