The “No Place Like Home” Game Thread: Michigan At Rutgers

How To Watch & Listen

Michigan (17-10; 7-7) At Rutgers (13-15; 2-13)

Where: The RAC

Tip-off: Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:30 p.m. ET

TV: BTN - Brandon Gaudin and Shon Morris

Radio: WCTC 1450 AM & WOR 710 AM - Jerry Recco & Joe Boylan; WRSU 88.7 FM

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #127; Michigan #27

KenPom Prediction: Michigan 68 Rutgers 62; Rutgers is given a 30% chance of winning.

Series History: Michigan leads the series 8-0 all-time, including wins in the 1976 Final Four and 2004 NIT Final.

There are three games left for the Rutgers men’s basketball team to further the narrative that major progress is happening with this program. You and I have seen all the positives this season and they have a great opportunity to finish strong during this closing home stand. However, nothing changes perception like winning.

If Rutgers can do just that tonight, it would be the first true signature win of the Steve Pikiell era. Michigan is a terrific offensive team, but they are exactly they type of team that Rutgers has success against. They do not play a physical style and aren’t a strong rebounding team. As we know, Rutgers is the top offensive rebounding team in the Big Ten and has been competitive in part due to their ability to finish second chance opportunities. Their struggles in closing out games and making free throws are well documented.

At the end of the day, I think this game comes down to the Rutgers defense versus the shooting of Michigan. Whichever side has the better night is likely to win the game. As bad as Rutgers has been the previous two seasons, their average margin of defeat versus Michigan in three losses was just over 8 points per game. I don’t know what that means, maybe nothing, but I do think it’s somewhat relevant in knowing Michigan hasn’t blown this team out at its worst. That being said, if the Wolverines connect on a couple of deep balls early, it could be a Iowa Part II and a rout could be underway. Still, I feel a strong effort from the home scarlet coming tonight. Whether that results in a season defining victory remains to be seen.

We will have live commentary on our OTB twitter account here and join us in the comment section during the game. Let’s go RU!!!

Game Preview