The “Garden Party Continues” Game Thread: #14 Rutgers vs. #3 Purdue

How To Watch & Listen

#14 Rutgers (15-18; 3-15) vs. #3 Purdue (26-5; 15-3)

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City - Buy tickets here.

Tip-off: Friday, March 2nd at approximately 9:00 p.m. ET

TV: BTN - Gus Johnson, Bill Raftery, and Rick Pizzo

Stream: BTN2GO

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

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #142; Purdue #5

(Note: Rutgers improved 9 spots after the 7 point win over Indiana)

KenPom Prediction: Purdue 74 Rutgers 58; Rutgers given a 7% chance to win

Vegas Line: Purdue -14.5

Series History: Purdue leads the all-time series 10-1, including twice this season. The last meeting was on February 3rd at the RAC, as Rutgers lost 78-76 in what was almost the biggest upset in high major conference play this season.

SB Nation Purdue site: Hammer & Rails

For a third straight night at the Garden, Rutgers is playing a meaningful basketball game. They’ll play in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time ever. Since the conference has had 14 teams, no school that played in the opening day round has made it past the third day of action. Odds would say Rutgers is unlikely to be the first, as they take on #8th ranked Purdue, a team that has Final Four potential. In two prior meetings, Rutgers was blown out at West Lafayette and then almost pulled a stunner at the RAC.

They need to come out with energy and not allow Purdue to get any open looks, especially from behind the arc. It will be a tough task for Rutgers in their third straight game against a talented team who are well rested. However, this team has shown anything is possible.

It’s a Friday night and as I write this the Garden is packed. It appears Rutgers fans will have a good showing tonight. Let’s hope this team gives everyone something to cheer about. Join us in the comment section during the game and follow us on twitter for live commentary.

GAME PREVIEW