Rutgers men's basketball is gearing up for a crucial home game against Washington, looking to bounce back after a tough road loss to Minnesota. A victory over the Huskies would be pivotal for the Scarlet Knights, potentially securing them a bye past the first round of the Big Ten tournament. With a head-to-head tiebreaker on the line, this game carries significant weight in the standings.
Washington is on the back end of an East Coast swing, having just fallen to Maryland 64-60. The Huskies have hit a rough patch, dropping four of their last five games. Injuries have plagued the team, with five players sidelined in their previous outing and others missing time throughout the season.
Leading the charge for Washington is forward Hannes Steinbach, a versatile player averaging 17.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, while maintaining an impressive shooting accuracy of over 55 percent. Guard Zoom Diallo provides additional scoring support with 14.9 points per game, and center Franck Kepnang contributes 6.3 rebounds per game.
Statistically, Washington puts up 76.2 points, 36.8 rebounds, and 13.6 assists per game, shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 76.3 percent from the line, and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc. Rutgers, on the other hand, averages 70.2 points, 33.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 41.7 from the field, 73.3 from the free-throw line, and 32.2 from three-point range.
Adding another layer to this matchup is the return of former Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville, now donning a Washington jersey. His departure last offseason after just a year with the Scarlet Knights adds a personal twist to the contest.
For Rutgers, the key to success will be robust defense in the paint. Washington's struggles from long range mean that Rutgers can gain an edge by disrupting their inside game.
Coupled with the Knights' recent offensive improvements and Washington's road-weary legs, Rutgers has a strong chance to stay competitive. Although ESPN’s matchup predictor gives them just a 30 percent chance to win, the Knights are poised to defy the odds with a spirited performance.