The “Battle For 8th Place” Game Thread: Indiana At Rutgers

Indiana (12-8; 3-6) At Rutgers (10-9; 3-6)

How To Watch, Listen, News & Notes

Where: The RAC in Piscataway, New Jersey

Tip-off: Wedneday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: BTN - Kevin Kugler & Jon Crispin

Stream: BTN2GO

Radio: Live Listen - WCTC 1450 AM/WOR 710 AM/XM 390 - Chris Carlin & Joe Boylan; WRSU 88.7 FM - Jake Ostrove & Sam Marsdale

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #97; Indiana #46

(Rutgers has moved up 10 spots since the win over Penn State)

KenPom Prediction: Indiana 66 Rutgers 64; Rutgers has an 44% chance to win.

Vegas Line: Indiana -1.5

Series History: Indiana leads all-time 6-1, but Rutgers won the most recent meeting last March in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, 76-69.

SB Nation Indiana site: Crimson Quarry

Game 19 recap & four thoughts

GAME PREVIEW

Here is what is at stake tonight:

With a win, Rutgers would have produced the first three game winning streak since the 2003-2004 season.

With a win, Rutgers would be in sole possession of 8th place in the Big Ten at the midway point of the conference schedule.

With a win, Rutgers would have more regular season wins than they’ve ever had since joining the Big Ten

With a win, Rutgers would have won two in a row against conference blue blood Indiana.

With a loss, Rutgers would stay mired in a large group in the back half of the Big Ten standings stuck at 3 wins.

Aside from disappointment if Rutgers loses, there isn’t a whole lot to be lost. The Scarlet Knights would still be exceeding expectations by equaling their previous best Big Ten win total by the midway point of the conference schedule. However, there is certainly a tremendous amount to be gained. Let’s hope this team comes out loose but focused on the task at hand and take it to the Hoosiers from the opening tip on. Follow us for live commentary on twitter and join us in the comment section during the game.