NCAAB Odds, Pick for Indiana vs Rutgers

The Indiana Hoosiers won a much-needed game over the Ohio State Buckeyes at home, which propelled them to 11-4 on the season. It was their only top-50 KenPom win of the season, so another one is much needed.

The Hoosiers now travel to Piscataway, New Jersey, to battle the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Knights have hit a bit of a rough patch. Their only top-100 KenPom victory this season has been against Seton Hall. Otherwise, their lackluster offense has come to the forefront against strong competition.

That said, Rutgers has an incredible defense. Indiana is much more balanced, but Rutgers’ shoddy attack will do most of the work for the Hoosiers defensively.

Indiana ranks 94th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 98th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. The Hoosiers rank 110th in Adjusted Tempo, but they average 17.5 seconds per possession on defense, ranking 215th.

On the offensive end, the Hoosiers shoot 34% from 3-point land and 54.2% from inside the perimeter. However, they rank 355th in 3-point attempt rate. They rank 14th in free throw attempt rate, so points come from the strike or inside the arc for Indiana.

The Hoosiers rank 97th in points per possession at the rim, per Shot Quality. Rutgers ranks 21st defensively in points per possession at the rim. Also, Indiana may not shoot many 3, but the Hoosiers rank 219th in Open 3 Rate. Rutgers ranks 38th in Open 3 Rate allowed.

Finally, Rutgers ranks 31st in points per possession at the rim or from 3-point range allowed, per Shot Quality. Indiana ranks 149th offensively.

The Scarlet Knights may tend to foul, which could be a drawback against Indiana’s offensive schemes. Still, outside of ranking 101st defensively in free throw attempt rate, the Scarlet Knights should be able to thwart Indiana’s offense in nearly every way. After all, opponents only shoot 31.7% on them from deep and 42.9% from inside the arc against them.

Offensively, the Scarlet Knights are a nightmare. They're shooting 29.1% from 3-point range and 45.3% from 2-point range.

They get to the free-throw line often, but Indiana doesn't foul often. Regardless, the Scarlet Knights only shoot 67% from the stripe, so points won't come easy.

Rutgers doesn't even take the right shots, ranking 285th nationally in Rim and 3 Rate. Indiana ranks 63rd in Rim-and-3 rate allowed. The Knights rank 341st in Open 3 rate offensively, while Indiana ranks 80th defensively.

Rutgers has also lost its ability to rebound, unlike last season. The Knights rank 120th in offensive rebounding and 297th on defense. Indiana ranks 237th and 200th, respectively, so these numbers say that each team might likely only be allotted one shot per possession. Do not expect many put-back attempts, except for an occasional bucket from Clifford Omoruyi.

Rutgers is a slower-paced team than Indiana. The Scarlet Knights rank 185th in overall Adjusted Tempo. They rank 357th in defensive time of possession at 18.8 seconds on average.

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

Expect both teams to slow down the ball on the defensive end. Indiana and Rutgers have both done well in this area defensively, so it should continue.

Rutgers’ offense is putrid, but the Scarlet Knights' defense is rock-solid.

Indiana has enough to get by on defense against the weak offensive attack from Rutgers.

Take the under in this game. Play it to 138 (-110).

Pick: Under 139.5 (Play to 138)

ESPN Bet is now live! Make sure you're ready for all the action with our exclusive ESPN BET promo code TANBONUS.