Merrimack College Warriors vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/20/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Warriors and Scarlet Knights. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on PEAC, and it’s hosted by the Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, NJ. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 134.5 points, and Rutgers is favored by -20 at home against Merrimack College.

MERRIMACK COLLEGE WARRIORS VS RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Rutgers Scarlet Knights -20

This game will be played at Jersey Mike’s Arena at 8:00 ET on Wednesday, November 20th.

WHY BET THE RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 87-61 in favor of the Scarlet Knights.
• Not only will Rutgers pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -20.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 134.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.

Will the Warriors Defense Show Up in Piscataway?

Merrimack College dropped their recent game against Princeton, losing 68-57 at home on Sunday. The Warriors were +5.5 point underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 125, falling short of the 137-point over/under line.

Merrimack led 35-33 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 22 points while allowing 35 points to Princeton.

Merrimack struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 23.3% from beyond the arc, going 7-for-30 on threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.9%, though they connected on 53.8% of their two-point attempts and hit 80% from the free-throw line.

The Warriors managed only 6 assists and 8 offensive rebounds. Adam Clark led the way with 24 points, while Caden Pierce added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Dalen Davis contributed 16 points, hitting 4-of-6 from deep.

Merrimack’s defense held their opponent to 68 points on 37% shooting from the field, with the Warriors giving up 14 two-point baskets on 26 attempts, a 53% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, Merrimack limited their opponent to 23% shooting, as they made just 7 of 30 three-point attempts. The Warriors also sent them to the line 10 times, where they hit 8 free throws.

Can the Scarlet Knights Offense Score Enough at Home?

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

The Scarlet Knights improved to 3-0 this season with a 98-81 win over Monmouth on Friday. Rutgers was a heavy favorite at -22 but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points reached 179, surpassing the O/U line of 148.

Rutgers led 47-30 at halftime but allowed Monmouth to score 51 points in the 2nd half, matching their own output for the half.

Rutgers put up 98 points in their last game, shooting 59.6% from the field and hitting 55% from three-point range (11/20). Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.2%, and they connected on 78.1% of their free throws (25/32). The Scarlet Knights also dished out 21 assists and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds.

Abdi Bashir Jr. led the way with 38 points, hitting 10 threes on 17 attempts (58.8%). Dylan Harper added 20 points and 6 assists, shooting 66.7% from both the field and beyond the arc. Zach Martini contributed 18 points, shooting 70% overall and 57.1% from three.

Rutgers struggled defensively, giving up 81 points on 59% shooting from the field. Their opponents hit 62% of their two-point attempts, going 20/32.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers allowed 11 threes on 20 attempts, a 55% success rate. They also sent the opposing team to the line 32 times, where they converted 25 free throws (78%).