Notre Dame vs Rutgers Predictions and Betting Preview
Sportsmemo content contributor Kyle Kargel gives his Notre Dame vs Rutgers predictions and betting preview for the NCAA Tournament on Wednesday, March 16. At the time of posting, the Fighting Irish are a 1-point favorite against the Scarlet Knights, with the total sitting at 132 points.
Check out our College Basketball Free Picks page for betting thoughts from some of the country’s top handicappers.
Wednesday, March 16 | NCAA Tournament Betting Notes |
---|---|
Point Spread: | Notre Dame Fighting Irish -1 vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
Total: | 132 Points |
Game Time: | 9:10pm ET / 6:10pm PT |
Arena: | UD Arena in Dayton, OH |
TV: | TruTV |
Notre Dame vs Rutgers Analysis
The Big 10 and ACC will go at it in the last play-in game of the NCAA Tournament before the main action begins on Thursday at 12:15 PM EST.
The winner of this matchup will face Alabama at 4:15 PM EST on Friday. The Fighting Irish had a tough non-conference schedule losing games to Saint Mary’s and Texas A&M along with going 0-2 vs the Big 10 this season (Illinois, Indiana).
They did have a big home win against Kentucky though 66-62. Rutgers non-conference record against good teams isn’t any better.
Their biggest non-conference win came at home against Clemson. They lost to some bad teams including Massachusetts, DePaul and Lafayette.
Where Rutgers may struggle is never having played on a neutral court this season besides the Big 10 Tournament where Notre Dame has played four neutral court games outside the ACC Tournament going 1-3.
Fighting Irish Firing Up Three Pointers
The Fighting Irish have been letting it fly from downtown this year ranking #1 in ACC play in three point field goal percentage.
Nationally, their 19th in that statistic and are 55th in three pointers attempted per game. 37.8% of their total points per game come from behind the arch which is 37th nationally.
On defense, Notre Dame is pretty solid ranking 84th in adjusted defensive efficiency, but they lack in defensive aggressiveness.
They’re 304th or worse in generating turnovers, as well as blocking and stealing the ball from the opposing offense as well.
Where Rutgers will look to take advantage of Notre Dame is inside as the Fighting Irish allow the 23rd most points per game to opposing offenses inside and Rutgers scores 57.2% of their points inside which is 33rd nationally.
Diaper Dandy Blake Wesley has been the go-to player for the Fighting Irish averaging over 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal per game while shooting over 41% from the field and 31% from three.
A couple guys Notre Dame will look to get it going from deep are Dane Goodwin (44.8% from three) and Nate Laszewski (46% from three).
Rutgers Lean on Ron Harper Jr.
The one thing Rutgers and Notre Dame have in common is that they both like to play slow with Rutgers ranking 289th in adjusted tempo.
Opposite of Notre Dame, Rutgers is more aggressive on the defensive side of things ranking in the top 60 nationally in block and steal percentage.
They’re also great at defending two point shots ranking in the top 50 nationally in opponent two point percentage. So, the Fighting Irish may have to do even more scoring behind the arch than they’re used to.
Senior Ron Harper Jr. has really come into his own as the Scarlet Knights primary playmaker averaging 15.6 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 39% from three.
Sophomore Clifford Omoruyi is the big man down low Rutgers looks to, averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting over 61% form the field.
Notre Dame vs Rutgers Prediction
This game is essentially a pick ‘em with the Fighting Irish favored by one point. I think to some extent Harper Jr. takes this one over especially near the end during clutch time as the Fighting Irish will be very dependent on making the three point shot.
This might be a plug your nose type of play but Rutgers escapes Dayton with a win as they stay poised to make the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1979.
Prediction: Rutgers Scarlet Knights +1
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Notre Dame vs Rutgers GoldSheet Preview
College Basketball Stat Sheet
GoldSheet prepares a daily college basketball stat sheet, which offers a head-to-head comparison for how teams are performing in a number of key areas heading into a game. Check out Wednesday’s sheet, with notes on tonight’s Notre Dame vs Rutgers contest.
NCAAB Odds Screen
Sportsmemo’s live odds screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the college basketball point spreads, moneylines, first half lines and betting percentages for all of the NCAA Tournament games, including this Notre Dame vs Rutgers showdown, from your desktop or phone.
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