The Cornhuskers (20-9) don’t yet have a ton of attention on the national level, but they are still on the verge of history with a win in the March 3rd Rutgers at Nebraska betting contest. The Cornhuskers are a somewhat overlooked 17-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season, and can finish 10-0 at home in Big Ten play and set the record for wins in Lincoln in a season with a victory over the Scarlet Knights on Sunday night.
Rutgers (15-13) is trying to fight their way out of playing in the first round of the Big Ten tournament, which the bottom four teams in the conference have to do. It’s a log jam with five teams trying to avoid those final three spots (last place Michigan is a lock) so Steve Pikiell’s team has plenty to play for as +7.5 road underdogs in this spot.
Why Rutgers Has Value at +7.5
Michigan is horrible this year, but Rutgers has to get a little bit of confidence after an 82-52 win over the Wolverines on Thursday to cover the -8 point spread. That snapped a three game losing streak for the Scarlet Knights and crept them one step closer to a bye in the first round of the conference tournament.
Clifford Omoruyi had 19 points and 15 rebounds vs the Wolverines while Jeremiah Williams also added 19. The Scarlet Knights’ win over Rutgers (87-82) earlier this season went into OT, but Omoruyi had a nice stat line with 14 points and 15 rebounds and all five starters scored at least 11 points for Rutgers.
If Rutgers can get even some mediocre offensive production they can keep this one well within the +7.5 points as they boast the #2 scoring defense in the Big Ten (65.9). KenPom has the Scarlet Knights ranked 90th overall, but with the 4th best defensive efficiency in the entire country.
Why Nebraska Has Value at -7.5
They must make some comfortable pillowtop beds in Lincoln, because the Cornhuskers have gone 9-0 at home in conference play this season but an avert-your-eyes 1-8 on the road. Nebraska hasn’t lost on their own floor since December 3rd, where they simply came out incredibly flat in a 60-89 loss to Creighton albeit as +4.5 underdogs.
Not that they needed any extra advantage at home, but it should be a pretty pumped up crowd in Lincoln on Sunday night as a win would set the record for most home wins in a season and add to coach Fred Hoiberg leading the team to their first 20 win campaign under his tenure and the best school record in the last six years. Of course, wins this time of year (as well as in the conference tournament) never hurt your chances at the NCAAs either.
Nebraska does need a little bounce back after their 78-69 loss at Ohio State on Thursday, but the Cornhuskers had put together a dominant four game stretch of 18+ point victories prior to that. That trend coincides nicely with Rutgers losing three of their last four all by 11+ points.
Free March 3rd Rutgers at Nebraska Betting Pick
The Rutgers defense has impressive numbers, but you can’t take this teams trouncing of Michigan this week as any sign of turning things around. Everybody looks good against the Wolverines – just like (almost) everybody has looked horrible when they visit Lincoln this season.
Free Pick: Nebraska -7.5
