The “Breakthrough In B1G Tourney” Game Thread: #14 Rutgers v. #11 Ohio State

How To Watch & Listen

#14 Rutgers (14-17; 3-15) v. #11 Ohio State (17-14; 7-11)

Where: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.

Tip-off: Wednesday, March 8th at 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: BTN - Kevin Kluger, play-by-play; Shon Morris, analyst; Mike Hall, courtside reporter

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

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #131; Ohio State #70

KenPom Prediction: Ohio State 71 Rutgers 65; Rutgers is given a 30% chance to win.

Series History: Ohio State leads the all-time series 4-1, including a 70-64 victory this past February.

First Meeting Recap

Big Ten Tournament History: Rutgers is 0-2 in Big Ten Tournament play. They lost to Minnesota 80-68 in 2015 and Nebraska 89-72 in 2016. They were the 14th seed both times.

Fun Fact: At least one team from the opening round has advanced to the quarterfinals on day 3 of the Big Ten Tournament the past two years, including two teams last season.

Game Preview

Head coach Steve Pikiell has preached the importance of toughness with this team all season. There is no doubt it is needed now more than ever, as Rutgers is fighting for their basketball lives tonight against Ohio State. Lose and the season is over. On the flip side, if they could survive and advance, it would be a big statement win and signal real change to the rest of the conference.

Rutgers really has nothing to lose tonight and should come in with confidence after beating Illinois four days ago. Ohio State has had a disappointing season and how they approach this game will be interesting to watch. How much fight will they put up in hopes of extending their season? The Buckeyes are 11-1 in their opening game of the Big Ten Tournament under Thad Matta, so they are historically a tough out.

I made the trip to DC and will have live commentary on our OTB Twitter account from press row of the Verizon Center. Also, join us in the comment section during the game! Let’s hope this team can give us one last ride in what has been a season that so much progress has been made! Let’s go RU!